Latest news with #NokSuntaranon
CBS News
4 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
How the annual Great Chefs Event in Philadelphia aims to "really change the world"
Dozens of renowned chefs from across the country will gather this weekend at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia for the Great Chefs Event, a culinary celebration benefiting the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which funds cutting-edge research and supports families affected by childhood cancer. Among the star-studded lineup is Chef Nok Suntaranon of Kalaya, whose soulful Southern Thai dishes add both flavor and feeling to the cause. "We can really change the world by doing good," Suntaranon said. "We just focus on one thing — to honor Alex and her dream." The Great Chefs Event has become a signature moment on Philadelphia's culinary calendar, blending gourmet plates with a powerful purpose. More than 40 chefs donate their time, ingredients and talent to raise funds that directly support pediatric cancer research and support programs for families in treatment. Alexandra "Alex" Scott started Alex's Lemonade Stand after she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 4 years old. Her goal: Raise money to find cures for children with cancer. By the time Alex died at the age of 8, she had raised more than $1 million. Her legacy lives on through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, and the Great Chefs Event that's now in its 18th year. Now, her legacy lives on through events like these, where every bite tells a story and every donation brings researchers one step closer to a cure. In the past, Great Chefs has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support pediatric cancer research and families in need. The event is sold out, but you can still make a donation to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
From Drag Brunches To Queer Neighbourhoods: 6 Reasons Why LGBTQ+ Travellers Love Philadelphia
When people think of LGBTQ+ hotspots around the world, it's usually the big names that pop up-New York, San Francisco, Amsterdam, and Berlin. But ask someone who's been in the know, and they'll tell you: Philadelphia has quietly — and confidently — become one of the most welcoming, vibrant LGBTQ+ destinations worldwide. It's not just rainbow crosswalks (though yes, they have those, too). It's the way the city owns its queer history, supports its community, and serves up everything from queer-owned dive bars to history walks that'll genuinely surprise you. Here's why Philadelphia is the 'IT' LGBTQ+ destination this year. Here's Why Philadelphia Is A Must-Visit LGBTQ+ Destination: 1. The First City To Officially Recognise Gay Rights Let's start with the receipts. Philadelphia was the first American city to pass legislation that banned discrimination against people based on sexual orientation back in 1982. That wasn't a fluke — this city has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ advocacy for decades. The first organised LGBTQ+ protests in the US actually happened outside Independence Hall in 1965, four years before Stonewall. Today, you'll find a plaque there commemorating the "Annual Reminders" protest, honouring the queer activists who helped change the course of American history. 2. The Gayborhood Isn't Just A Name, It's a Vibe Yes, it's actually called the "Gayborhood", and no, it's not a gimmick. Tucked between 11th and Broad Streets, and Pine and Walnut Streets, this area has been a haven for LGBTQ+ people since the 1970s. Look down and you'll see rainbow pride flags embedded in the street signs — Philly was the first city in the US to do that. Walk a few blocks and you'll hit staple queer bars like Woody's, a multilevel club that's been around since 1980, and Tabu, a queer sports bar that somehow manages to mix drag shows with football screenings and not miss a beat. 3. Queer Culture Is Woven Into The City's DNA Philly doesn't try to compartmentalise its LGBTQ+ culture. It's part of the city's pulse. There's Giovanni's Room, the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore in the US (yes, it's still open), named after James Baldwin's 1956 novel. Or the William Way LGBT Community Center, which houses archives dating back to the early 20th century. Fancy something more interactive? The Philly AIDS Thrift store funds HIV services and also happens to be one of the best vintage shops in the city. 4. A Food Scene That Doesn't Quit (And Queer People Are Running It) From high-end restaurants to late-night food trucks, Philadelphia is having a moment with food, and LGBTQ+ chefs are right in the mix. Try Kalaya, a James Beard Award-winning Thai restaurant led by Chef Nok Suntaranon, or check out The Trestle Inn for whiskey sours and go-go dancers in a retro setting that feels more Berlin than Broad Street. And the drag brunch scene? Top tier. You've got places like Punch Line Philly and Fabrika where local queens put on Broadway-level performances while you sip mimosas and forget about tomorrow. 5. Pride Is Year-Round Yes, there's the annual Pride parade and OutFest (the nation's largest National Coming Out Day event), but the queer community doesn't go quiet in between. You'll find queer film festivals, LGBTQ+ art exhibitions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and even drag-hosted walking tours of Old City. Basically, no matter when you visit, something's happening. 6. A City That's Walkable, Affordable, And Real Here's the thing: Philly doesn't try too hard. It's got that scrappy, authentic energy you don't always get in polished, overpriced cities. You can actually walk from one queer venue to another. Public transport is easy. And you won't have to sell a kidney just to stay the night. Bottom line? Philadelphia isn't just a place where queer people live — it's a place where they thrive. Whether you're in town for a weekend or thinking about making a more permanent move, Philly's got room for you-and it's loud and proud about it.
