By Denny Patterson
For the past 25 years, Lips has been serving dinner, drinks, and fabulous drag shows across the country.
Founded by Miss Yvonne Lame’ in New York’s Greenwich Village, Lips has grown into a drag empire with establishments in New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, San Diego, and right here in Fort Lauderdale. It is a true and complete LaCage experience with over the top show palaces, tasty cuisine, and incredible performances.
“It’s sort of like a Disneyland of drag for adults,” Lame’ jokes.
On Sundays, patrons are invited to an outrageously fun afternoon while the ladies of Lips put on the ultimate drag brunch. Starting in 2007 as a gospel drag brunch, it has switched to a more traditional format and is now one of the venue’s most popular productions.
“The biggest difference between us and most other venues is that guests receive more of an experience because the waitresses are also the drag queens,” Lame’ says. “At other venues, you’re not really getting that one-on-one interaction. So, I think that’s where we stand out, and this happens at all our locations. The waiters and waitresses are drag queens. From the minute you walk in, you’re experiencing drag. It’s like they’re bringing the show to the table.”
Fort Lauderdale drag sensation Nicolette serves as the show’s host. According to Lame’, she was hired from the very beginning.
“I remember seeing her emcee, and at first, she was like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’” she recalls. “Nicolette took the reins and is an excellent host. She’s a natural comedian. Not everyone has comedic skills, but she gets to the core. The host is one of the key elements to the show’s success, and Nicolette brings a lot of great energy and fun.”
A sassy southern gal who loves to have fun, make jokes, and make people laugh, Nicolette is a 26-year drag veteran. She says she loves hosting the drag brunch and interacting with the audience.
“I just hope they have a good time,” she says. “When we started out with the gospel brunch, my goal was to make people leave feeling just a little bit better than when they arrived. I kept it more subject appropriate then, but now I can be a little bit more adult while on the microphone. I just hope people laugh and have a good time while they’re there. We have some high level talent, and I think it’s an overall good deal. What’s better than having a meal and unlimited mimosas and bloody marys while enjoying a spectacular show?”
“Not only is this a good show, but we have good food,” Lame’ adds. “I’m sure there’s a certain amount of people who are like, it’s a drag show, so the food can’t be that good. No, we have some delicious brunch entrees and drinks. Also, from the minute you walk in, you’re sort of in this drag queen palace. I think that’s another way we stand out from other places. It’s over the top decor and a lot of visuals. It’s a total experience.”
Seating times at 11:30AM and 2PM, and reservations are required since almost every drag brunch sells out quickly.
For more information, visit fladragshow.com, or follow Lips on Facebook @LipsFTL or Instagram @lipsfla.
