January 5, 2006 Issue                                               

©2005 The Chestnut Hill Local

Local Life

Marion Ingram, local author, outside of Osaka Restaurant in Chestnut Hill, the site of his “day job.” (Photo by Paula Riley)

Osaka manager also a passionate three-time author
by PAULA M. RILEY

Among Chestnut Hill’s old homes, quaint shops and great restaurants are some fascinating people. We pass by them everyday, knowing only the role they serve in our lives – waiter, shop clerk, neighbor, et al. We often don’t know their passions, heartaches or goals. Take Marion Ingram, for example

Paula Riley of Chestnut Hill and her son, Kevin, have a special reason to be thankful in the new year.

Just one New Year’s resolution: love your kids more
by PAULA M. RILEY

Over the years, my resolutions ranged from the very easy (call my mother-in-law every Sunday) to those I’ve never quite accomplished (lose 20 pounds by Valentine’s Day). I employed many tactics — posting them on the fridge, sharing them with my spouse or setting them early. None of these methods proved successful.

LOCAL KIDS’ RECITAL

Mixed financial picture forclassical music community
By MICHAEL CARUSO

As local lovers of classical music, opera and ballet look ahead into the new year, there are many sunny spots but a few troubling cloudy ones as well. While some of the resident ensembles are experiencing admirable growth and beneficial development, others are facing daunting financial challenges.

2005: The year in film (part one); several trenchant observations
by NATHAN LERNER

During the past year, I watched over 200 films. Some left me feeling exhilarated and transformed. Others evoked boredom and, in some instances, disgust. Here are a few observations, culled from the time that I spent in darkened theaters.

Owner/chef Moon Krapugthong stops at a table to answer questions about Thai cooking. (Photos by Len Lear)

Moon shines at Manayunk’s flavorful new Chabaa Thai
By LEN LEAR

When Moon and Pat Krapugthong opened Chabaa Thai Bistro (Chabaa is Thai for hibiscus) at 4371 Main St. In Manayunk in April of 2005, they were terrified that they might have no customers. “We can’t afford to do serious advertising, and neither one of us was ever in the restaurant business before, so we really don’t know what to expect,” said Moon, who has an MBA, at the time. (Her husband, Pat, has a doctorate degree in finance.)