In the ring
If you’re a Philadelphia boxing fan, you’re having a pretty good January. First, Sylvester Stallone arrived in town early to reprise his role as Rocky Balboa in “Creed,” which is scheduled to start shooting Jan. 26, according to Philadelphia Film Office boss Sharon Pinkenson. So far, Stallone was spied shopping at I. Goldberg and dining at D’Angelo’s and Estia. Co-stars Michael B. Jordan and Phylicia Rashad report for work this week. There’s news that Philly boxer Bernard Hopkins will retire after his next fight (still unscheduled). Hopkins turned 50 over the weekend, and is holding a party tonight at 2300 Arena in South Philly. Local scribe Gabe Oppenheim is touting “Boxing in Philadelphia: Tales of Struggle and Survival” as a must for any sports lover.
Celebrity Boxing’s Damon Feldman will hold his next bout Jan. 31 at Marple Sports Arena with NFL champ Lee Woodall fighting Mark Wahlberg‘s pal Henry “Nacho” Laun of “Wahlburgers.” Restaurant rumors
Bing Bing Dim Sum, the upcoming spot from the owners of Cheu Noodle Bar, should be ready in time for East Passyunk Restaurant Week, Feb. 22 to 28.
Hawthorne’s, the brunch spot and beer shop at 11th and Fitzwater, quietly re-opened after a fire kept it closed for almost a year. The restaurant is also starting beer delivery.
As seen on TV
Rick Forman, the founder/CEO of Forman Mills Inc., appears on CBS’ “Undercover Boss” on Jan. 25, working anonymously alongside employees at several of his stores in the Disguised in a mustache, mullet and glasses (“I look liked Geraldo Rivera,” says Forman), the CEO’s take-home was that his company has great people that need more training to truly excel in work and life. “I also need to get back to my grassroots and be hands on out in the field more,” he says.
Celebrity sightings
“Breaking Bad” actress Krysten Ritter and her boyfriend, musician Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs, were at the Ethical Society on Rittenhouse Square for the annual Silver Ages show, featuring Drugs’ drummer Charlie Hall. VH1’s “Mob Wives” pals Natalie Guercio and Alicia DiMichele reunited at the 21st annual Hair O’ The Dog gala at the Crystal Tea Room, where Gurecio debuted her new song, “Throttle,” on stage. Jersey boys Southside Johnny and Bruce Springsteen were surprise guests at the 15th Annual Light of Day Concert to benefit Parkinson’s DIsease at the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Stand-up comedian Colin Quinn hit the Midtown III diner between shows at Helium Comedy Club.