Boldface May 14: A.D. Amorosi rounds up the local gossip

Last weekend was a bloodbath where potential Philly restaurant closings and property sales were concerned. Though it’s doubtful whether Stephen Starr’s Buddakan will have to vacate, its property at 325 Chestnut is listed for sale via Kaiserman Co. Downey’s Irish bar at526 S. Front St., however, is up for grabs as of last weekend: bricks, liquor license and all. Doubly sad is that Donal McCoy listed his 20 S. Second St. property for sale — that’s Serrano restaurant and the legendary live music club Tin Angel. McCoy won’t close either spot before any sale ($1.75 million for everything, liquor license included).

Smith & Wollensky’sfinal day at The Rittenhouse hotel is May 23. Is there a new tenant ready to go, and is it Stephen Starr? One hot rumor has Starr opening either a

Buddakan West or something with seafood. Not every one of last weekend’s closing announcements was sad. May 31 will be the last day Kanella at 10th and Spruce is open, but only because it’s moving to a larger spot in Queens Village (757 S. Front St.) and getting a liquor license. And it looks as if “Top Chef” Nicholas Elmi will close his East Passyunk BYOB, Laurel, in August — because he’s expanding next door with a full bar to boot. Word has it that one of the original owners of Katmandu nightclub at Pier 25 is looking around the Italian Market area for a restaurant space. If you want to see local politicos like Mayor

Nutter or Amy Needle (CEO of Historic Philadelphia) take part in a carousel race, get to An Evening in Franklin Square on May 14. The gala benefits the historic square at Sixth and Race. Parx announcer Keith Jones will call the derby.

Celebrity sightings

• President of the United States Tony Goldwyn — at least on the hit ABC series “Scandal” — stopped by the fundraiser for the Atlantic Center for Capital Representation at Luxe Home on Friday. Goldwyn hung out with Philly attorney Theodore Simon, famous for representing Ira Einhorn and Amanda Knox.

• NBC/MSNBC hostTamron Hall was atThe Rittenhouse onFriday for a party for Philadelphia Style’s Women of Influence issue.

• Mayoral candidate Jim Kenney stopped by Franky Bradley’s for a fundraiser in his name organized by local pot activist N.A. Poe.