G LOUNGE OPENING PHILADELPHIA - 12/6/07 PARTY

If I took your photo at the above hot spot, you might find it here:

http://hughephotos.smugmug.com/gallery/3974288#231015203

THOM CARDWELL PRESENTS ANOTHER THOM'S TABLE AT THE RUM BAR

(First let me apologize for the delay of these photos, I am in the middle of a home renovation and my computer is in a box. I am currently using a friends computer.) Thom's Table, his new monthly restaurant series, launched Tuesday, Oct. 2, at Rittenhouse's newish Rum Bar, Cardwell will host the dinner with owner and self-described "rum sommelier" Adam Kanter, whose passion for the sugarcane-based spirit inspired a five-course tasting menu that pairs a selection of fine rums with everything from Caribbean hearts of palm to pan-seared filet tips. Thom Cardwell, chef Adam Kanter and guestsdinner guests
dinner guests

Adam Kanter with Laura Burkhardt (Where Magazine), James Zeleniak (Punch Media), and Thom Cardwell Chef Kanter explains what everyone is about to eat, and about the rum that goes along with the meal

James Zeleniak of Punch Media, Chef Kanter, Thom Cardwell and James Duggan of BUCKmonkey

BUCKmonkey is getting busy with two big events this week

hope to see you there.

Pride For Nutter Moves Forward With Success

Pride For Nutter Moves Forward With Success

In response to all who have asked, and for those who could not attend our last Pride For Nutter event, Thom Cardwell and James Duggan of Pride For Nutter are pleased to announce that they have teaming up with Councilmen Jim Kenney and Frank DiCicco to continue to offer opportunities to for the queer community to support and meet our next mayor, Michael Nutter. Therefore,

Pride for Nutter invites you to joinCouncilman Frank DiCicco (D-1st District)
and
Councilman Jim Kenney (D-Councilperson-at-Large)as they host a fundraiser for
Michael NutteratParadiso Restaurant1627 East Passyunk Avenue
PhiladelphiaOctober 1, 5:30-7:30 pmContribution: $100Please RSVP to PrideForNutter@comcast.net
Make checks payable to "Nutter for Mayor"

THOM CARDWELL PRESENTS ANOTHER THOM'S TABLE AT THE RUM BAR

Make Your Reservations Today before its too late!
Tuesday, October 2, 6:30 PM

Thom Cardwell

presents

RUM 101
@


Everything you every wanted to know about rum but never knew it existed.
5 Courses
with
5 Rum Pairings
for only
$50
Make your reservations today!
Call 215.751.0404
and ask for
Adam or Brianna

Reservations are required for this event
Price does not include tax and gratuity

Michael Nutter for Mayor Fundraiser for the GLBTQ community

The Host Committee Chairs - Will Cafiero, JD Coleates, Mel Heifetz Jim Bryson, Bryan Hoffman, Jeffrey C. Sotland, Michael Feighan, David Fair, Marjorie L. McCann, Laura Burkhardt, Jimmy Contreras, Dylan Clements, Sarah Doheny, Jack Malloy, and co-hosts/sponsors Thom Cardwell, Will Cafiero and James Duggan Our next mayor, Michael Nutter meets Host sponser, Will Cafiero as Thom Cardwell looks on
Judge Dan Anders and Aids Fund President Robb Reichard join the festivities. Two significant events are happening in October; 10/5/07 Judge Anders gets robed and on 10/21/07 is the Philadelphia AIDS walk begining at Eakins Oval.

Meet and Support Michael Nutter for Mayor 9/13/07

An Important Opportunity to Show Our Pride, Strength and Support for
Michael Nutter for Mayor on Thursday, September 13th, 2007
@ the William Way Community Center Join Michael Nutter for Mayor
at a special Meet and Greet for the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community in Philadelphia & our friends
Thursday, September 13, 2007
6:00PM to 8:30 PM
at the William Way Community Center
Grand Ballroom, Second Floor
1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia

RSVP: PrideForNutter@comcast.net

Presented by
Thom Cardwell and James Duggan with
Host Committee Platinum
Will Cafiero, JD Coleates, Mel Heifetz Gold
Jim Bryson, Bryan Hoffman, Jeffrey C. Sotland
Silver
Michael Feighan, David Fair
Bronze
Marjorie L. McCann, Laura Burkhardt, Jimmy Contreras, Dylan Clements, Sarah Doheny, Jack Malloy
Catering generously provided by Will Cafiero.

Campaign contributions of $25, $50 and $75 from the public

College Students Only $5 with student ID

To join the official host committee for this event, campaign contributions are being pledged at Platinum ($1,000), Gold ($500), Silver ($250) and Bronze ($100)
Interested in Joining the Host Committee:

Please contact Thom Cardwell at PrideForNutter@comcast.net and let him know what amount you wish to pledge and how your name(s) should appear on the invitation. Once we receive your pledge via email, the campaign staff of Michael Nutter for Mayor will be directly in touch with you for payment via credit card, check or cash.

*A special apology to any person we may have offended; inadvertently this event was scheduled to take place on Rosh Hashanah and on the start of Ramadan. This was not intentional; it was an unfortunate oversight which we regret. If there is any interest from the community of those who could not attend this event for religious reasons, we would be glad to help organize such an event for you.

Michael Nutter for Mayor Fundraiser for the GLBTQ community

A Special Invitation
Please join co-hosts

Thom Cardwell, Will Cafiero and
James Duggan

in meeting and greeting

Michael Nutter for Mayor
at a
Fundraiser for the
GLBTQ community
in Philadelphia & their friends
Thursday, September 13, 2007
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

at the
William Way Community Center
Grand Ballroom, Second Floor
1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia

RSVP: PrideForNutter@comcast.net

Host Committee:
Jim Bryson, Michael Feighan, Jeffrey C. Sotland &Josiah L. Anaya, Laura Burkhardt, Will Cafiero, Sarah Doheny
Complimentary beer, wine and vodka.
Catering generously provided by Will Cafiero.Campaign contributions of $25, $50 and $75 from the public
To join the official host committee for this event, campaign contributions are being pledged at Platinum ($1,000), Gold ($500), Silver ($250) and Bronze ($100)Interested in Joining the Host Committee:
Please contact Thom Cardwell at PrideForNutter@comcast.net and let him know what amount you wish to pledge and how your name(s) should appear on the invitation. Once we receive your pledge via email, the campaign staff of Michael Nutter for Mayor will be directly in touch with you for payment via credit card, check or cash.

*A special apology to any queer brother or sister we may have offended. Inadvertently this event was scheduled to take place on Rosh Hashana and on the start of Ramadan. This was not intentional; it was an unfortunate oversight which we regret. If there is any interest from the community of those who could not attend this event for religious reasons we would be glad to help organize such an event for you.

You no Longer have to KNOCK, it's open, really

The City inspectors finally got around to inspecting the long anticipated resturaunt, KNOCK. It was orginally supposed to open last Friday, but you know how it is the last few weeks of August everyone moves a little slower. I just got off the phone with KNOCK and the bar will be opened today at 4PM and dinners will begin tomorrow night at 5PM. Bill Wood or as he is known in the GAYborhood, Woody, and his brother Steve (& their spouses), have finally opened their global restaurant-lounge. KNOCK whose name takes its inspiration from an Irish town, will occupy the northeast corner of 12th and Locust Streets, in the ground floor space that has housed a series of short-lived eateries (Lula, Sukothai, Cafe Cosmo and the longest tenant at 5 years, Pamplona, a branch of Dmitri's).
When I spoke to Bill Wood, earlier this week, he told me that he wanted to do some things that would break the curse that seems to have occurred at the corner of 12th and Locust Streets, in addition to really wanting to do something special to the space and for the community. Trust me, he has, it's amazing, down to the detail on the floor, the bar, lighting, linens, hearth (yes its true) and it's very stylish "Green" bathrooms (Hopefully he didn't have a problem with the plumbing unions that the Comcast Building did). The rumors are true the new place does have a piano, but its just for show strategically placed as you sweep into the foyer to request a table.

And as soon as I walked in the place it felt like home again, the feel, the atmosphere, seeing Bill Wood and some familiar faces. Woody's was always one of those places that closely reminded my friends and I of TV show Cheers; they always knew our name, it was always a safe warm atmosphere and everyone was family, (& who can forget those free pour drinks.) It's great to see Woody back in the neighborhood, to see old friends again, make new ones, and enjoy a good meal by Chef Stephen Huey. Woody hopes the restuarant/lounge captures the eclectic atmosphere of the neighborhood and welcomes everyone to enjoy his fare.
Pictured above Thom Cardwell and James Duggan of BUCKmonkey, Bill Wood, his Partner Lee Mallon, Partners David White and James McManaman of Absolute Abstract.All the art work at Knock is from Absolute Abstract located at 141 S. 13th Street, in the newly created Midtown section of Center City http://absoluteabstractart.com/ I have only showcased a small part of the restaurant, as you will want to stop by not only for a delicious meal, but to take in the beautiful design of, damn I failed to get the name of the interior designer, I will get it because everyone will want a piece of them after seeing KNOCK. The hours will be limited at first, Dinner being served 5 – 9, Sat & Sun Brunch 11 – 2. Eventually KNOCK will be opened for Lunch and Dinner beginning everyday at 11AM KNOCK 225 South 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 215.925.1166 http://www.knockphilly.com/

Happy First Anniversary to The Waterworks Restaurant

Happy First Anniversary, also, to owner Michael Karloutsos, of The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge, 640 Water Works Dr., on the banks of Schuylkill River, at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Water Works' neoclassical exterior, built in 1812, remains the most photographed and painted landmark building in Philadelphia.

Michael Karloustsos is bursting with Philly Pride these days with accolades from Savuer Magazine who included the restaurant in its "Top 100" (February, 2007); Architectural Digest on its "Top 150 Most Designs in the World" and recent features in Gourmet Magazine and Elle Décor. The Philadelphia Inquirer Food Writer Rick Nichols said that Waterworks was "One year later, THE place to be." The restaurant now employs 95 people, giving each the financial means to support their families," he said, "But most importantly, it has served over 150,000 customers since it opened."

"Our greatest accomplishment was opening a restaurant in a historic space when no one thought it was possible," said Karloutsos."Breathing new life into a building that had been written off for so long was a real feat. For more information, 215.236.9000;

Jesse Archer Booksigning and Afterparty

Whew I can hardly catch my breath after all the BUCKmonkey sponsored events this week. I do want to post one of the more exciting events that happened. Jesse Archer once again graced our City of Brotherly love and Sisterly Affection with a book signing at Giovanni's Bookstore at 12th and Pine Streets. I finally know what those banana's are about, but you are going to have to read the book to find out for yourself "You Can Run" which can be picked up at www.amazon.com or on Jesse's blog www.jesseonthebrink.com which is hysterical.After the reading we all headed over to Tavern on Camac where Steve and Dennis hosted a nice party for Jesse with treats from David Wagman's Capriccio's Cafe

James Duggan, David Wagman, Thom Cardwell, Jesse Archer, Laura Burkhardt, Dennis and Steve

JESSE ARCHER reading TONIGHT 5:30PM

BUCKmonkey's Thom Cardwell & James Duggan
and
WHERE Magazine's Laura Burkhardt

Invite you to welcome
JESSE ARCHER
Actor, Screenwriter (A Four Letter Word, Slutty Summer), OUT Magazine columnist and author of
"You Can Run: Gay, Glam and Gritty Travels in South America"
At a special reading and book-signing at Giovanni's Room,
5:30-7:00 PM, Thursday, August 9 Giovanni's Room is located @ 345 South 12th Street, Philadelphia

Laura Burkhardt's Big Birthday Blast can be found

here:
http://phillychitchat.blogspot.com/

Thom's Table at Susanna Foo Tuesday 8/7/07 Cancelled

Darn I just got word that this event is cancelled. I will keep you posted on when it might be rescheduled.

BUCKmonkey Now Available for your Special Event

It started with a bang just 12 days ago

Thom Cardwell and Tim Ferretti were hard at work behind the scenes to make sure the parties were perfect down to the very last detailThom and Jimmy Route made sure the sponsors were taken care of and their products were properly displayed. Here they are with Sean Williamson - Toyota SCIONJames Duggan and Host Committee, Bryan Hoffman. (Bryan Hoffman event) Robert Calhoun and Farley Granger eventThis event may be over, but call us and we will work for you on your next event or party. Let BUCKmonkey take care of your details.
To see more photos of the PIGLFF event, check out http://buckmonkey.smugmug.com/ or the Official Photographer for Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival http://imageevent.com/piglff2007 (Photos by Gail Kamenish) or Or on my personal blog…http://www.phillychitchat.com/ .

PIGLFF Closing Night, Full of fun, laughter and just a bit of tears

Thom Cardwell and Rosemary Connors last night on stage for the 13th Annual Phila Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Southwest Airlines gives away a trip to San FranciscoAfter the movie, Kiss the Bride, we all headed over to Twenty-21 for the Closing Party
Rosemary lets her hair down and relaxes
Thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers for making the PIGLFF the great success it was

Pearl the best volunteer (Thanks Avis and the Film Society to name a few)
Your photographer - HughE

The entire photobook of the festival has been uploaded!!

http://buckmonkey.smugmug.com/ If you have any questions, please leave a comment. Thanks HughE

BUCKmonkey: We do Guest Services: Farley Granger Q&A and Book Signing

How did they get from here (Welcome lunch at Brasserie Perrier)to hereand finally hereWith the help of BUCKmonkey services. Thom Cardwell is the Development Director for the film festival, and one of the services he performs is Guest Services. And now he can bring the same service to you through his company, BUCKmonkey. After lunch at Brasserie Perrier, Thom and James Duggan (James was missing when I took this photo at lunch as he had picked up the PIGLFF award for Mr. Granger and dropped it off at XIX for the reception later), took the honored guests to their hotel to prepare for the afternoon reception that began at 5PM at XIX Park Hyatt Bellevue. One of BUCKmonkey's services is to secure the right sponsor for the each eventBUCKmonkey makes sure that their is enough staff to service the guestsThey make sure the sponsors meet the honored guests; here Thom introduces that GM of Brasserie Perrier to Farley Granger and Robert Calhoun

They make sure the the guests are in a comfortable location when meeting their guests. Here two Philadelphia Film Society Board members greet Farley and Robert They make sure they are taken care of with treats and drinksBUCKmonkey escorts the guests to the venue for a Q&A session (Under James' arm is the award)
Thom Cardwell introduces Farley Granger
The Q&A with the Philadelphia Inquirer's Movie Critic Carrie Rickey at the Prince TheaterRobert Calhoun, Thom Cardwell, Farley Granger and James Duggan, BUCKmonkeyJimmy Route, BUCKmonkey guest services extraordinaire, assisting Farley after dinner, in signing books and DVD's in anticipation for the book signing that occurs after dinner at 9PMThe fans line up to see their treasured icon. In this shot you see Jimmy Route on the right collecting names on Post-its, and sticking them inside the book so that Robert and Farley can inscribe them personally. At the left James closes the book and hands them to the fan.

James' passes Farley a pen to sign the books with, and collects the DVD signing pen
After this shot Jimmy Route takes our honored, stress free guests back to their hotel.