Palladino’s Restaurant Opening

Last night Chef Luke Palladino celebrated the opening of his new restaurant, Palladino’s, on Philly’s latest restaurant row — East Passyunk Avenue — with a VIP Party including Mike Jerrick, Pat Ciarrocchi, Barbara Rittenhouse, Deputy Mayor Richard Negrin and his wife Karen, Councilman Mark Squilla and wife Brigid, and Cory Wade (America’s Next Top Model) in attendance.

Guests were greeted by a 50-foot-long red carpet, where they posed for photos before entering the upscale Italian restaurant with bar, open kitchen and a dining room with 80. They enjoyed tastes from his extensive menu as well as specialty drinks by Punzone Vodka. The kitchen features a wood-fired grill where they prepare steaks, fish, and chops, as well as an Italian oven that will be used exclusively to bake focaccia. The official opening of the restaurant is tonight, but is sold out. Palladino’s is located a stone’s throw from Broad Street, at 1934 E. Passyunk Avenue.

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Palladino's Restaurant Opening

Palladino's rolled out the redcarpet last night for their VIP opening of their latest eatery opening and the first one in the Philadelphia area in what seems to be the "restaurant row" of Philadelphia, East Passyunk Avenue.

From left: Darren Fava, Joseph F Marino, Joy Manning and Dan Call.

Megan Armor and Debbie Mishler.

From left: David A. Fineman, Chef Luke Palladino and Pat Ciarrocchi.

From left: Kristina Jenkins, Michelle Cassidy and Madison Alpern.

From left: Michelle Shannon, Bruce Shannon and Laura Burkhardt.

Lisa Stefano and Jesse Cute.

From left: Mark Beyerle, Cory Wade (America’s Next Top Model alum) and Eric Jaffe.

From left: Bob Cressy and Barbara Rittenhouse with Phillipe Desjandins and Natanya DiBona.

DJ A-Run and Kristine Kurilko.

Elaine Graber and Jill Rizen.

From left: Ted Simon, Brigid Squilla, Councilman Mark Squilla and Larry Cohen.

Barry Gutin and Fox 29's Mike Jerrick, who is glowing after he just popped the question to his girlfriend Shelda last weekend.

From left: Robin Austin, Anthony Gargano and Tony Bruno.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.