BY KEN ALAN

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” — or so the saying goes. Within the realm of the concierge, my professional opinion is that it’s both. Thus I rely on a daily flood of press releases — scoop about the newest restaurant ventures, invitations to special events and tastings, and announcements about charity events and culinary networking functions —
to keep me in the know. And you can too — all you need to do is sign up to be on the mailing list of these Philly PR mavens.

Firm: Profile Public Relations
Clients: Garces Restaurant Group, Zahav, Chaddsford Winery, Oyster House, Fork … to name a few.
Get on the list: Reach out to Jennie from the “Contact Us” page at profilepr.com, follow them on Twitter at @ProfileTip, and look for their newsletter soon.

Firm: Cashman and Associates
Cilents: Über-restaurateurs like Stephen Starr and Marty Grims (of White Dog) and the best locally distilled vodka, Penn 1681.
Get on the list: Go to cashmanandassociates.com to inquire about getting on the list.

Firm: The Restaurant Collection
Clients: Heavy hitters like The Prime Rib, Le Bec-Fin, Le Bar Lyonnais, World Cafe Live, Georges’, and Moonstruck.
Get on the list: Sign up for newsletters at therestaurantcollection.com.

Firm: Spotlight Public Relations
Clients: Respected suburban eateries like Alison Two and Avalon, as well as McGillin’s Olde Ale House.
Get on the list: Sign up for each restaurant’s newsletter individually: Alison Two, Avalon, McGillin’s.

Firm: Gloss Public Relations
Clients: Le Castagne, Fleming’s Prime Steak House, Du Jour (café), Ristorante Panorama, Naked Chocolate Café, and Tavern 17, plus a bevy of food-themed events throughout the year. [Full disclosure: Gloss PR head Corie Moskow also represents Philadelphia magazine.]
Get on the list: Email Corie at events@glosspr.com.

Firm: Breslow Partners
Clients: Bistrot La Minette, Mémé, Vietnam, Vietnam Café, and Pottstown’s Funky Lil’ Kitchen.
Get on the list: Check out breslowpartners.com.

Firm: Dish Public Relations
Clients: Jake’s, Cooper’s Brick Oven Wine Bar, Blackfish, Verdad Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Gypsy Saloon, Derek’s, The Paddock at Devon, 333 Belrose, and others.
Get on the list: Go to the Dish blog.

Firm: PUNCH Media
Clients: The Rum Bar, Ms. Tootsie’s, and Seafood Unlimited.
Get on the list: Click “Connect” at punchmedia.biz and look for the newsletter signup link.

Ken Alan is a corporate concierge for BPG Properties and is the founding member of the Philadelphia Concierge Association. His motto is “Nothing is impossible — impossible simply takes a few more phone calls.”