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.

• A good concierge will always try to accommodate any request, as long as it is legal, ethical and moral
• There is no one-size fits all for guest recommendations. For example, Fran would not send a family with small children to the same Italian restaurant as a young couple that identifies themselves as “foodies”. Get to know your clients.
• Use of the internet is crucial to help us do our jobs. Some helpful websits include Visit Philly, Uwishunu, The Kimmel Center’s Schedule of events and of course, Open Table!!
• It is important to know that concierge don’t always know it all!! Networking is very important to this profession. For example, if Fran doesn’t know an answer, she has an entire concierge community (not only in our city, but in the region and across the country)! Also, if you had a moment to read Ken Alan’s recent article, The Art of the Reservation, Networking can help secure even the most difficult of reservations.

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 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 18^th to September 24^th.

 Please Touch Museum is rolling out Clifford The Big Red Dog is  from October 17^th to January 18^th

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.

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 100^th 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 trucks
Beer Garden
Daily Theme (fitness/art & culture/movies/game day)

Art After 5 (Fridays- museum is open until 8:45pm)
Music/food

The Barnes Foundation
Largest private collection of post-impressionist and early modern art
Advance reservations strongly suggested

Mural Arts Tours
Over 2500 murals located throughout the city
Self-walking tours as well as guided trolley tours

Reading Terminal Market
Over 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 District
Liberty Bell (No tickets needed)
Independence Hall (Tickets required from Independence Visitor Center) No tickets needed seasonally 5pm-7pm
Elfreth’s Alley
National Museum of American Jewish History
African-American Museum
Franklin Court
Betsy Ross House
Christ Church
U.S. Mint
National Constitution Center

City Hall Tours
Self-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 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/