Drag queen-staffed bar opening soon
April 21, 2012 - 1:05 am
Downtown buzz continues to build amid an ever-eclectic mix of businesses.
Move over Heart Attack Grill, a headline-generating machine in recent months with its artery-clogging menu.
This time it's the arrival of Drink & Drag, said to be the nation's first drag queen-staffed bar and gaming venue.
A May 5 grand opening is planned for the space formerly occupied by Jillian's in the Neonopolis building on Fremont Street.
The money behind Krave Nightclub, the 7-year-old gay hangout on the Strip, is going for a new concept.
More than 24 full-time drag queens have been lined up, according to the club's news release. That may make it "the largest employer of drag queens in the U.S.," according to the release.
It's more than a bar. The 22,000-square-foot venue features 12 bowling lanes, billiards, 100-inch projector HD console gaming, interactive gaming chairs, air hockey and table-top board games under jewel-encrusted chandeliers.
A gaymer's room awaits gamers.
"After witnessing the recent mainstream popularity in Middle America of drag-focused TV shows, like 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and 'Drag U,' we decided it was the right time to offer that real-life experience on Fremont Street," said Tyler Caiden, general manager of Drink & Drag.
SCENE AND HEARD
Extreme artist Jean Francois will be painting former Mayor Oscar Goodman at the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Animals in Wonderland Champagne and High Tea - Chapter 2 on Thursday at Spanish Trail Country Club.
The painting will be put up for auction at the event with the proceeds going to the Nevada SPCA. Joining Goodman and Miss Nevada 2011 Alana Lee as celebrity dog escorts will be local entertainers and media personalities, including yours truly. Tickets: 496-9248. ...
Chef Vic "Vegas" Moea returns to the Food Channel on Sunday, this time as a member of the "Chopped All-Stars." Monday he'll be at Jamm s to introduce a new menu item he has come up with for owner Ronnie Klein. Moea finished third in "Food Network Star" in August. ...
The inaugural Etti Gear's Faux Fur Fashion Show is set for Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Copa Room next to the Bootlegger Bistro. Co-hosting will be Alicia Jacobs and Chippendales' featured performer Jaymes Vaughan. Former "Jersey Boys" star Rick Faugno will perform. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www.ettigear.com.
The new and improved Gospel Brunch kicks off April 29 at Mandalay Bay. ...
Carlos'n Charlie's, known for its Mexican cantina cuisine, has opened at the Flamingo. ...
Señor Frog's Restaurant Bar & Clothesline is making its Las Vegas debut at Treasure Island hotel-casino on May 5.
SIGHTINGS
At the 10th anniversary of 'X' Burlesque on Thursday at the Flamingo: burlesque icon Tempest Storm; BMX pro and star of "The Ricardo Laguna Project," Ricardo Laguna; hypnotist Anthony Cools; former Beach Boys musician Billy Hinsche; Judge Jackie Glass; and musician Frankie Stabile, son of producer Angela Stabile and guitarist for Slash's new band The Conspirators. ... Rick Harrison of "Pawn Stars," meeting the cast of "Absinthe" after Thursday's show. ... Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Mya, visiting Criss Angel backstage after his show Thursday at Luxor. ... UFC President Dana White, dining with his son Thursday night at Grimaldi's Pizzeria (Boca Park).
THE PUNCH LINE
"The (Colombian) escort claims the (Secret Service) agents said they did not remember agreeing to pay $800 because they were drunk the night before and she refused to leave the room until she got paid. Eventually they settled for $225. These are the guys we should put in charge of negotiating our foreign debt." - Jimmy Kimmel
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.