December 22-28, 2005
food
Top 5 Celebrity Haunts1 T.G.I. Friday's
4001 City Ave., 215-878-7070
Stop by this bustling chain after a Sixers home game and you might see
guard/demigod Allen Iverson putting away a few Coronas at the bar. While
the staff says he's also a fan of the apple martini, don't think he's
going soft: He'll most likely tell you to get out of his face if you
ask him for an autograph. What can I say? AI keeps things T.G.I. Real.
2 Bruno's
9800 Germantown Ave., 215-242-1880
This relaxed family-style institution is a go-to joint for many local
luminaries. Anchor-couple Larry Mendte and Dawn Stensland come in frequently,
though they haven't been in as much since having their latest anchor-baby.
Dr. Robin Smith, Oprah's TV shrink, has been a regular for 17 years,
and Lafayette Hill resident Terence Howard (aka the new Samuel L. Jackson)
pops in whenever he's in town.
3 Bar Noir
112 S. 18th St., 215-569-1160
This spot is stinking with swanksters, and manager Mark Sheldon has
smelt 'em all. From area dudes Gary Papa and Bam Margera to Dave Matthews
and the Darkness (who Sheldon says were "somewhat Spinal Tap-esque"),
the Noir is certified celeb central. Sheldon even swears Mel Gibson
has visited, and that he was so wasted he kept challenging random bar
patrons to arm-wrestling matches.
4 Capital Grille
1338 Chestnut St., 215-545-9588
While most of us would have to knock off a Wachovia to afford a plate
at the Cap, members of Philly's elite frequent the place often. The
restaurant is a favorite of songstress Patti LaBelle, and plenty of
Flyers, Eagles and City Hall notables get their filet fix there as well.
5 The Palm Restaurant
200 S. Broad St., 215-546-7256
If you want to know what famous cats eat at the Palm, check the wall
for their caricature. ESPN personality Sal Paolantonio dines there on
the regular, as does Electricans Union head John Dougherty and Sixers
general manager Billy King. Wonder if he likes apple martinis, too
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