The Continental Turns 20

Stephen Starr celebrated with a bash that brought back some of the original servers from his iconic Old City cocktail lounge.

By HughE Dillon· 9/24/2015, 3:54 p.m.

Stephen Starr’s Continental celebrated it’s 20th anniversary with a party on Sunday night bringing together original servers from the week the restaurant opened, alumni servers from over the years, customers, family and friends. Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, a charcuterie spread and an amazing dessert buffet.

For best results, view gallery in full-screen mode.

HughE DIllon

From left: Brenan Hanrahan, Ryan Foster and Marie Targonski-O'Brien.

HughE Dillon

From left: Matt Martin, Mark Crookston, Pat Maher.

HD1_5890

Stephen Starr with some of the original servers from the 1995 Continental on Market Street. Julie Cousler, Nancy Trachtenberg, Jenn McCreary and Nicolette Phillips.

Shirley Barr, Alan Domb and Phyllis Shamberg.

Shirley Barr, Allan Domb and Phyllis Shamberg.

HD1_5897

Elaine Grabar, Jill Rizen and Alisa Frederico head to the booth where Jill spent the 90s sipping martini's.

Deb Starr and Sophie Starr

HD1_5907

Ellen Shepp and Ricky Cantando both of Joan Shepp, with Randi Sirkin, Director Creative Services at Starr Restaurants.

Carlos and Adrienne Rogers, Hush Salon

Jody and Steve Kane

Sienna and Laurie Palermo

HD1_5965

Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick, Fox 29 with Ree Donaldson, Matthew Nadu and Joe Ries

HD1_5969

Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Assocs.; Toby Delarosa, Pileggi On The Square; Cindy Caccuro; Erin Elmore; and Eric Robbins.

HD1_6052

Laurie Satran and Briana Sposato (who was commissioned to create a fun tribute to Stephen Starr and the Continental's anniversary. It was played during the evening.)

HughE Dillon

HD1_5999-Medium

Pastry Chef Chris Buretta with the dessert buffet

HughE Dillon

The Continental Cake

Steven Starr in the center with his orginal staff 20 years ago

Stephen Starr (c) with the original crew when the Continental opened in September 1995

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.

The Continental Turns 20

Get a compelling long read and must-have lifestyle tips in your inbox every Sunday morning — great with coffee!

HD1_5890

Shirley Barr, Alan Domb and Phyllis Shamberg.

HD1_5897

Deb Starr and Sophie Starr

HD1_5907

Carlos and Adrienne Rogers, Hush Salon

Jody and Steve Kane

Sienna and Laurie Palermo

HD1_5965

HD1_5969

HD1_6052

HD1_5999-Medium

Steven Starr in the center with his orginal staff 20 years ago

Trending

Rampant Rodent Feces Shut Down South Philly’s POPE Bar

Comcast Is Ditching MSNBC and Other Cable Channels It Owns

First Look: Mr. Ivy, a Bold, New Venue in Northern Liberties

Cellar Dog, the Successor to Howl at the Moon, Opens This Week

Here’s How to Get a Philly Mascot to Make a Wedding Cameo

IN THIS SECTION