New York City Wine and Food Festival 2023 – Part 3

New York City Wine and Food Festival 2023: a look in Three parts – by Dick Beach.

Part 3

A decidedly different event all around.

The Drag Brunch hosted by Lea DeLaria was far less about food and more about the show.

Held in The Venue at the Hard Rock Hotel, this was certainly entertaining.  While not what I’ve traditionally seen as a drag show – think the club in The Bird Cage – and more a review of current style and acts.

The host, Lea DeLaria is very funny as a comedian and surprisingly (to me at least) excellent cabaret singer.  I’d love to be able to give you a glimpse of the nature of her routine, however, it might be a little rougher than the casual reader might be interested in.  Timely, pointed and with a message, it was a defiant statement in many ways.

The drag portion of the show featured talented acts, each in stunning costumes.  These were all prerecorded pieces, some more successful than others, but fun.  Indeed, 3 of the acts are alumni of RuPaul’s Drag Race… so that should give you an idea.

In attendance were David Burtka and his spouse of close to 10 years, Neil Patrick Harris.  Not hosts, but big fans of drag shows and supporters of the lead charity – they were funny and engaging as only they can manage.  Kind, sincere with strong opinions.

Indeed, following a fairly rough treatment of Clarence Thomas bu DeLaria, NPH came on stage and, in a way only he could, reminded us of the charity and the like to temper the act.  All in good fun, to which the host quipped about if it were supposed to be a PG show, why did they hire her – a point well taken and, again, all in good fun.

3 days, 3 different events and certainly worth it all.  Keep an eye out – there will be another around this time next year and taking a couple days to check it out is worth is all.