The PACA President Travels to Dubai!
Our PACA President, Fran Nachman, recently traveled to Dubai for the UICH Les Clefs d’Or World Congress meeting. As a member of the Clefs d’Or, Fran brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization and is always on the lookout for opportunities to better her knowledge of the hospitality profession. Fran attended her first national congress in Chicago, followed by Dallas in 2014 for the Leadership Conference. Traveling to an exotic location like Dubai was an exciting way for her to experience her first international congress. While in Dubai, Fran focused on networking learning new skills from both the speakers as well as from the finest concierge in the world. As the Lead Concierge at the Sonesta Hotel and President of the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association, Fran strives to provide the highest level of service to guests (and our city). Fran takes a well deserved walk on the Red Carpet: The concierge take a break from the action with a group photo:
Hospitality 101
Hospitality 101 with PACA President, Fran Nachman Our PACA President, Fran Nachman, was recently invited to speak to The Community College of Philadelphia’s Hospitality 101 class. A seasoned veteran in the hospitality profession, Fran is always quick to share her knowledge of our city as well as the concierge field. As President of our organization, she knows that our Mission is to encourage friendship, communication and integrity throughout the Philadelphia region and to promote, foster and enhance the skills and professionalism of all concierges. With that in mind, here are her tips for aspiring concierge.
Maggie Munthali: 2015 Key to the City Award Winner!
The Philadelphia Area Concierge Association would like to congratulate our very own Maggie Munthali on winning the prestigious 2015 Key to the City award!! Maggie has been a part of the PACA for the past 4 years and has been an invaluable asset to the organization. We couldn’t be more proud of her achievements! The Key to the City awards are held annually. The award award honors the hospitality leader who best embodies the spirit of Philadelphia and goes above and beyond the call of duty on a day-to-day basis. The ceremony is hosted by Where Magazine and Philadelphia-based luxury jewelry maker LAGOS, and serves to highlight the importance of front-line ambassadors to Philadelphia’s tourism and visitor market. To learn more about Maggie, check out her biography: “I have worked at the Union League for 6 ½ years. I moved to Philadelphia 13 years ago, Temple University alumni. Prior to this, I worked in a few restaurants in the city namely, Le Bec-Fin, The Capital Grille – Philadelphia, PA and formerly Mahogany of Walnut, what is now Ashton. I love Philadelphia and though I have visited many cities in the United Sates, I have only ever lived here. I enjoy being a hospitality ambassador of tourism because Philadelphia is so easy to be enthusiastic about! There is so much history and diversity. The city is ever growing and improving; the new summer pop- up gardens, the Schuylkill boardwalk, the visit Philly photo spots…just to mention a few. Philadelphia is a great city to live or just visit. I am proud to be an ambassador of this great city.
The Plough and the Stars
The PACA held their September Meeting at The Plough and the Stars, a traditional Irish Pub located in Old City. While it was a warm day in September, the restaurant has real fireplace in the dining room, making for a cozy atmosphere just in time for fall. Upstairs, the group was served a traditional 3 course dinner accompanied by loaves of bread made fresh on-site. The quarterly meeting was marked by presentations and updates from our PACA Allied members. Philadelphia Trolley Works offered special religious walking tours of the Parkway neighborhood and the Old City neighborhood. To prepare for the Popes visit, full day bus tour of the Catholic shrines were offered from September 18th to September 24th. Please Touch Museum is rolling out Clifford The Big Red Dog is from October 17th to January 18th Where Magazine is welcoming new editor, Julian van der Tak. LiveNation informed the group that the Fillmore is opening soon! TheTower Theatre and TLA are continuing to host shows.
A Sonesta Celebrity Sighting!
Looking for the top things to see and do in Philly? Visitors and Locals should look no further than our very own PACA President, Fran Nachman, who was just honored as the Sonesta Celebrity!! Check out her amazing insider tips for the best attractions, guided tours and nightlife to make the most of your Philly experience. Sonesta Celebrity*Content provided from the Sonesta Blog. Located in downtown Philly, guests of the Sonesta Philadelphia have a myriad of things to do – places to see and restaurants to dine in. Weary travelers can rest assured that our very own gold key award winning Concierge, Fran Nachman – as seen on philly.com knows the best places to recommend and whether you are returning to Philadelphia for the 100th time, or brand to new to the city, she will be able to recommend an itinerary that is sure to please. Fran’s Top 6 Things to See in Philly: Philadelphia Museum of Art The Oval (Wednesday-Sunday)Food trucksBeer GardenDaily Theme (fitness/art & culture/movies/game day) Art After 5 (Fridays- museum is open until 8:45pm)Music/food The Barnes FoundationLargest private collection of post-impressionist and early modern artAdvance reservations strongly suggested Mural Arts ToursOver 2500 murals located throughout the citySelf-walking tours as well as guided trolley tours Reading Terminal MarketOver 100 year-old farmer’s market. Open 7 days (No Amish stands Sunday-Tuesday)DiNic’s Roast Pork –Winner of Travel Channel’s Best Sandwich in the Country Historic DistrictLiberty Bell (No tickets needed)Independence Hall (Tickets required from Independence Visitor Center) No tickets needed seasonally 5pm-7pmElfreth’s AlleyNational Museum of American Jewish HistoryAfrican-American MuseumFranklin CourtBetsy Ross HouseChrist ChurchU.S. MintNational Constitution Center City Hall ToursSelf-guided tours to tower & observation deck 9:30am-4:15pm Monday-Friday (fee)Guided tour (2 hours) including interior and building history 12:30pm Monday-Friday (fee) Now after hopping around Philadelphia visiting all of Fran’s favorite spots, we are sure you have worked up an appetite. No matter what you are craving or who you are traveling with, Fran has just the place in mind for you! If it’s a beautiful day in Philadelphia and you want to dine with a view, Fran recommends trying out one of these restaurants: Butcher & Singer, D’Angelo’s, Davio’s, Devon Seafood Grill, Gran Caffee L’Aquilla, Oyster House or R2L. Another one of her favorite spots on a sunny day is Talula’s Garden, particularly in late spring, summer or early fall to take advantage of their garden seating! If you are traveling with family and need a restaurant where there will be something on the menu for everyone, Fran recommends Capofitto and Jones which are convenient for lunch or dinner. Just going out for cocktails and want a fun spot? Fran recommends checking out 1 Tippling Place or Bar Volver on Jazz Nights. If you are looking for amazing service, she says you will never be disappointed at The Industry. Other recommended bars include Independence Beer Garden, Charlie was a Sinner and The Franklin Bar. Tired after a long day of working in Philadelphia or touring the City of Brotherly Love and need a snack. Fran recommends Devon & Blakely, Di Bruno’s, Good Stuff Eatery, Hai Street Kitchen, HipCityVeg, and the Reading Terminal Market as perfect spots to grab a quick bite.
“The Beer Garden”
The PACA recently asked our members: “What is your favorite Philly Summer Attraction?” Our Board Secretary, Dan Bove of the Warwick Residences, shares his love on a Philadelphia Summer Tradition: The Beer Garden. My favorite summer attraction in Philadelphia is the onset of outdoor beer gardens. Philadelphia is fortunate to experiencet all 4 seasons and we are sure taking advantage of spending summer outdoors. I have spent many a great night and day at the Spruce Street Harbor Park. It’s right on the water and the river brings a cool breeze through. There are several spots to relax and unwind in a hammock or on an Adirondack chair.The Independence Beer Garden is a great place to enjoy great food and lively spirits while taking in the historic sights of Philadelphia. The Beer Garden at The Oval takes advantage of another great view of our fair city. Sip, or gulp, your way through the night in front of the art museum and enjoy the views on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Sadly, The Uptown Beer Garden and the Point Breeze Beer Garden unfortunately fell victim to gentrification and the strict PA Liquor laws. As summer winds down, take of advantage of Philadelphia outdoors. A summer day (and night) in Philadelphia is best spent with a beer and the breeze. Check out the below link for details about these locations and all of the restaurants that offer outdoor options. http://www.uwishunu.com/2014/05/roundup-the-best-beer-gardens-in-philadelphia-where-to-go-for-alfresco-brews-in-philadelphia-this-summer/
The Union League
The PACA recently had the opportunity to host their June meeting at one of Philadelphia’s most infamous historical venues, The Union League. Known for its rich history and picturesque entrance on Broad Street, the space is coveted for weddings, meetings and events year round. Members of The Union League enjoy the opportunity to socialize, dine, attend events and much more. Each quarter, Allied Partners are invited to meetings to meet, network and provide various updates on the state of affairs to the general membership. The valuable relationships we have built with our partners through the organization help the PACA thrive in the hospitality industry. Together, we work as ambassadors to provide trusted recommendations and referrals to thousands of visitors, clients and residents. The event was catered by Barra Rossa Restaurant, with delivery services from Caviar. Barra Rossa is “a bustling burst” of Italian flavor and energy and features creative and traditional dishes made from locally fresh ingredients. The PACA was treated to an expansive spread of pastas, antipasti and a decadent assortment of desserts. Caviar is a new food delivery service and only works with the best restaurants in town. Customers can order via photos from their website with no minimums and low delivery costs. An enjoyable evening was had by all!
Franky Bradley’s
The PACA recently had the opportunity to dine at Franky Bradley’s – situated on Chancellor Street in Rittenhouse Square. With throwback decor, wood paneled walls and even swords on the wall, the owners have personified the American Medieval atmosphere within the confines of the city. The menu features a taste for everyone (with starters like French Onion Soup, Lobster Pierogies or Grilled Escarole, a House Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Grilled Ribeye as noteable main dish selections and even more decadent desserts. Looking for plans this summer? Don’t miss the musical entertainment upstairs featuring a variety of eclectic shows. A full schedule can be found here.
Strangelove’s
The PACA recently enjoyed a wonderful experience at Strangelove’s – a two year old gastro pub operated by Brendan Hartranft, Leigh Maida and Brendan Kelly. The trio also own the popular Memphis Taproom. Open for lunch, Monday through Friday, dinner 7-nights a week, and serving a festive Saturday & Sunday a la carte brunch, Strangelove’s offers a casual yet tasteful menu filled with pub fare that’s given a distinctive, flavorful New Orleans riff. The all-day menu features a deeply satisfying smoked chicken & dumping soup, crunch-filled Russian kale salad, a notable burger, plus delicious entrees including pan seared chicken breast with pan jus, and an over-the-top crawfish mac & cheese. Beer-lovers flock to Strangelove’s for its 20 rotating craft brew selections and two beer engines. There’s also a festive Happy Hour, Monday-Friday from 5-7pm with $4 food & drink specials. Note: The upstairs holds a large bar area for private events as well as a private dining room which seats 40. Visit www.strangelovesbeerbar.com or call 215-873-0404 for more information.
Gran Caffe L’Aquila
The PACA recently had the opportunity to dine at one of Philadelphia’s newest restaurants, the Gran Caffe L’Aquila. Featuring a full service Coffee and Gelato bar upon entering it was hard to resist having dessert first! As we made our way to the second floor dining room, it felt as though we entered the heart of Abruzzo, Italy – where much of the decor was inspired. Gran Caffe L’Aquila’s dinner service features a rotating weekly menu with a twist on authentic Italian dishes(our first course was ravioli topped with truffle gelato)! We can’t wait to go back and try lunch, as well as all of the gelato flavors. For those over 21 – don’t forget to bring your ID as the alcohol infused Gelato is a must! A big thank you to Riccardo Longo and his staff for an exceptional evening. For more information, or to make a reservation – please visit the website.
