Boldface June 11: A.D. Amorosi rounds up the local gossip

Rob Zombie scans through Philadelphia Flyers archives during visit to Wells Fargo Center in 2012. Credit:  Courtesy of Ike Richman Rob Zombie scans through Philadelphia Flyers archives during visit to Wells Fargo Center in 2012. Credit:
Courtesy of Ike Richman

In 2012, rocker/film directorRob Zombietalked up his next movie, “The Broad Street Bullies,” about the 70s-era Philadelphia Flyers and their bloody skate to Stanley Cup victory. Zombie spent time at Flyers HQ poring through memorabilia and talking with BullyBernie Parent. Two weeks ago though, Zombie PR posted links to his new next flick, a gore-fest, “31.” Plus, he’s directing a series about theMansonfamily (Charlie, notMarilyn) written byBret Easton Ellis‘ “American Psycho.” What’s up with “Bullies,” since Zombie discussed its troubled financing in the foreign press? It’s not over according to Flyers brass. “The project is just on hold at present,” saysIke Richman, Comcast-Spectacor’s VP of Public Relations.

With recent reports of construction-to-come at 15th and Chestnut (Alterra Property Group’s small luxury apartments, Brook Lenfest’s W and Element hotel tower), let’s not miss hard-hat activity at 16th and Chestnut. A long-rumored boutique hotel with a rooftop pool – built under the radar from folks associated with Vango Nightclub – is supposedly close to completion.

Here’s a nice mix of rumor and news from Garces Restaurant Group. After testing Volver’s weekday special waters early in June, the Kimmel Center boite now hosts $150 performance-only, 12-course tastings between 6 and 8 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday for summer. The Iron Chef’s upcoming new Distrito at Moorestown Mall is hoping to fast-track a July 8 opening with Garces Group culinary director Michael Fiorello overseeing executive chef duties. GRC’s Rosa Blanca Cuban diner on Chestnut Street may cease weekday breakfasts and late nights for the summer. Before GRC open their takeover of Old Original Bookbinder’s in Old City, Garces crew is poring over that legendary Philly restaurant’s cookbooks and may update some of its Taxin family menu classics.

Seen on the Scene

  • 2014’s Burger Brawl at Xfinity Live’s parking lot raised $140,000 for Philadelphia’s beleaguered schools while naming the lamb burger served at Avance’s bar its Judges’ Choice with Northeast Philly’s still-unopened Blue Duck Sandwich Co. winning the People’s Choice for its pork roll/chuck/fried quail egg burger. While most participants sent chefs, Eagles tight end Brent Celek manned the grill for his Prime Stache Old City restaurant.

  • Baltimore Ravens safety-turned-free agent Ed Reed hit Chestnut Street’s DelFrisco’s Steakhouse for dinner Friday, same night Eagles Riley Cooper and Jason Kelce had a private meal in its Vault

  • Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Wolf and State Representative Brian Sims hung near Penns Landing’s Philly’s PrideDay stage with the Village People as its headliners.

Eagle Brent Celek at Philadelphia Burger Brawl 2014. Credit: A.D. Amorosi Eagle Brent Celek at Philadelphia Burger Brawl 2014. Credit: A.D. Amorosi