It’s finale time, hunties! After a somewhat abbreviated season (only 9 episodes, not counting the finale), RuPaul’s Drag Race will crown a new winner for its 8th season this coming Monday night! Most people will be watching it on their television, however the real winner will be crowned at New York City’s Stage 48 that night, where we will see if Bob The Drag Queen, Kim Chi or Naomi Smalls will take the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. [Read more…] about RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 Finale Party at Stage 48 Monday!
Stage 48
Last Minute Cinco De Mayo Plans? Try Cantina Rooftop.
Still have no idea where to go today for Cinco De Mayo? Manhattan has a plethora of places you can try out, but why not stick to something where the cuisine that is prepared is something you can enjoy not only on today but all year round? We suggest you stop by Cantina Rooftop at some point today, as they have something super special planned to celebrate. [Read more…] about Last Minute Cinco De Mayo Plans? Try Cantina Rooftop.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Premiere Event Blasts Through Stage 48
Get your engines ready, hunties, because our favorite reality show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, is revving up its engines for Season 8 in two weeks. To coincide with its premiere, they had a huge event last night at the one and only Stage 48 to showcase the 12 new queens vying for the title that have helped legends in the making from Sharon Needles to Raja win and go on to bigger and better things. Our guest writer, the handsome and talented Matt Belvedere, covered the event for Manhattan Digest, and got the inside scoop from all the new queens, and the old (I mean really old) ones including Bianca Del Rio (hehe). Check it out.
[Read more…] about RuPaul’s Drag Race Premiere Event Blasts Through Stage 48
Cantina Rooftop Debuts Sunday Brunch To Stellar Results
Who doesn’t love brunch? It is one of New Yorkers favorite things to do on the weekends as to catch up with your friends and family over some delicious breakfast and lunch options all wrapped in one. So why not take the traditional Brunch fare we are used to and add some Mexican flare to it? Look no further than Cantina Rooftop, located on West 48th Street between 11th and 12th Avenue. Cantina, which is right next to the famed Stage 48, debuted their brand new Sunday brunch menu this past Sunday and I must say they started out with a bang based off of the meals that were prepared for us.
The location itself is absolutely stunning, especially if it is on a warm and beautiful day outside. You take the elevator up to the 4th floor where the doors open to a beautiful indoor and outdoor space furnished with beautiful wood floors on the outside and a patio esque setting on the inside. They chose the perfect weekend to do this as this past Sunday was just the right temperature for this type of event. As if the location wasn’t great enough, the food was absolutely incredible too.
The brunch itself it set at a Prix Fixe menu, with your choice of one entree plus two Bellini’s or Mimosa’s for only $28.95. Sounds pretty good to me. For only $10-12 dollars more you should start with their fresh guacamole made three different ways. The Cantina, with Queso Fresco is one. The El Diablo with Chile De Arbol Paste, Charred Habanero Mango Pico and Crispy Oregano is the other. Finally, the La Dona with Tropical Salsa Fresca and Crispy Pepitas rounds out the deliciousness. The latter was my favorite, however all are great in their own ways.
The entrees have so many different options to choose from, however me and my friend went with something sweet and savory to compliment our palettes. I would highly recommend the Cajeta Pan Frances (French Toast) with Ricotta, Wild Berries, Cajeta and Mexican Vanilla Chantilli. The best French Toast that I have had in a while, and all the ingredients that come with really made this a fresh and tasty dish. If eggs are on your mind, you should try the Huevos Rancheros with Crispy Blue Corn Tortilla, Frijoles Borrachos, Queso Fresco, Guacamole, Pico De Gallo and Chile De Arbol Sauce. Really well prepared and tasted great. Add some Apple Wood Smoked Bacon as a side dish and you are all set for a great meal.
Don’t just take my word for it. Check out their official site and be sure to visit on Sunday’s between 11-3 to see how great this place really is. Happy Eating everyone!
Rupaul’s Drag Race Finale Party At Stage 48
So Kitty Girls, Rupaul’s Drag Race has completed yet another season under its belt this past Monday night. The fashionable and irreverent Violet Chachki took home the season 7 crown over the dark horse & sleeper of the competition Pearl and the funny, campy and stylish Ginger Minj. Although the actual finale that aired on LOGO Monday was taped from a previous week, the real crown was presented that night at Stage 48 right in Hell’s Kitchen. This isn’t the first time that Drag Race has held events for RPDR there, and is the perfect venue for this type of a show.
Even with the weather being as shitty as it was, fans and press alike showed up in droves to celebrate the season that was with several of its incredible contestants. In the press room, some notable guests outside of this years contenders included Season 5 and 6 winners Jinkx Monsoon and Bianca Del Rio as well as legendary New York City drag queen Lady Bunny who arrived in her signature oversized blonde bouffant.
Other big time players that showed up was entrepreneur & big time adult film star Rocco Steele and his buddy (and scene partner for Raging Stallion’s Clusterfuck 2) Boomer Banks, who performed a number with the ever so beautiful and polished Miss Fame.
So out of the fourteen girls from this past season, only a couple weren’t in attendance. Jaidynn Dior Fierce (which is a huge bummer because I really enjoyed meeting her at the premiere), Kandy Ho, Tempest Dujour, Max, Sasha Belle and Jasmine Masters were not in attendance. To be honest, out of that group the only ones I would’ve been interested in talking to would’ve been Tempest, Max and Jaidynn as Kandy brought nothing to the show, Sasha is boring and Jasmine did enough for herself to make her a villain throughout. Sorry, not sorry.
As for the girls who did show up to the meet and greet in the press room, I was surprised by how some were and not so surprised by how some behaved. First off, Pearl didn’t show up for press. I don’t get it. You are a freaking finalist, why aren’t you talking with the people that will write about you ESPECIALLY with you having an album coming out? Wasn’t really thrilled about that as I have attended finale parties in the past and the top three are always there. When it comes to Violet, I still have the same thoughts that I did when I met her at the premiere party- frazzled and not overtly nice. You don’t need to be, however she just seemed scattered and didn’t really stop for too long to let anyone really interview her. I am happy that she won, however these are things I will remember about her as you have to be amicable to a certain degree in order to make it far in anything with this industry. Just food for thought.
Ginger was absolutely incredible. She is beyond nice, hysterical and we had a great conversation about the season and so much more. I do feel as if she should’ve won the prize as overall she was consistent in my facets throughout the season, however I am still holding out hope that a big girl wins the prize eventually. Still not over Latrice losing S4. For as much shit as she got thrown at her this season, Kennedy Davenport couldn’t have been sweeter as well as poised and beautiful all at the same time. To be labeled the villain of this season when you didn’t really do anything villainous must be rough on a person, but she seems to be taking it in stride and was a fabulous person to chat with that night.
Trixie Mattel was hysterical as always, looking like a Katy Perry “Last Friday Night” inspiration decked in pink and wearing these incredible rollerblades. The makeup was overdone but in true Trixie style looked great on her. If Katya was in the final three I have no doubt that she would’ve won Miss Congeniality. Speaking of Katya, she looked ravishing in her black ensemble while sipping away on a red bull and giving everyone a big belly laugh with her great sense of humor. Finally, Mrs. Kasha Davis was a delight to talk to and I hope to see more from her in the future (especially if there is All Stars 2).
The night consisted of performances from the top six as well as the crowning moment where Violet was presented with the check for her win from Bianca Del Rio. Although many thought this was a lackluster season, the girls really did turn out some great performances and reminded us as to why they were cast on the show in the first place. Here is to hoping that S8 knocks it out of the park!
For more info on Drag Race, check out LOGOTV.com.
Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 7 Coronation June 1st In NYC!
Yes hunties… another season of Rupaul’s Drag Race is quickly coming to an end. The show, which started a little later than usual this year with a ton of changes including Untucked available only online, new judges and other thangs… will crown its winner on June 1st at 9pm on LOGO. Even though the finale is taped on the actual network, the real crowning will take place the same night right here in New York City!
With the final five being the strongest the show has had in recent seasons- Pearl, Violet Chachki, Ginger Minj, Kennedy Davenport and Katya as well as top six finalist Trixie Mattel will all be performing that night at Stage 48 (605 West 48th Street) where the winner will be revealed. To add even more fabulousness, the crown will be presented by last year’s winner (and best if I may so myself) New York’s very own Bianca Del Rio. The evening will begin at 8pm with a live viewing of the final episode followed by the official crowning of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and check presentation. Then the winner and top five drag finalists will perform live, lip-syncing their way back into our hearts.
“It’s your last chance to see all your favorite girls from RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Season Seven together on one stage,” say Brandon Voss of Voss Events, the company producing the event. After the coronation, New York drag legend Lady Bunny will be on hand as the in house DJ and keep the party going all night long.
So whether you are rooting for the fierce fashions of Violet, the campy humor of Katya and Ginger, the little engine that could Pearl or the best Snatch Game impersonator this year Kennedy, chances are you will have a fun time and really find out who will win this race and continue on in the tradition of making this the best damn reality show on television.
For more information, check out Voss Event’s official website.