Yvonne Lamé
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Lips, the ultimate in drag dining which was established more than 30 years ago before there was RuPaul’s Drag Race, is back and more bodacious than ever! Lips is excited to announce its newest cast members – Tiffany Fantasia, Asheeria PryceRianna Petrone, Aaliyah Jae, Crystal Famouz, and Karma Sutra. These talented performers will make their debut during the venue’s return on Thursday, April 22 with dinner shows Thursday through Saturday and Gospel Brunch every Sunday.

“Lips Fort Lauderdale is thrilled to introduce its newest drag legends in advance of our doors reopening on April 22,” said Yvonne Lamé, Lips founder and co-owner. “Our new additions, as well as our current cast, represent the top tier of South Florida talent and we’re excited to showcase them as part of our unique brand of dining and entertainment which includes great food, signature drinks and a Las Vegas style show.’’

New Thursday night show hostess Tiffany Fantasia has a loyal following with a repertoire of honors including Miss Ultimate Miami 2018, Ms. South Florida Illusions Plus 2015, Ms. Miami Beach Pride 2012 and featured emcee of the Miami Beach Pride Parade. Fantasia is also a resident entertainer for Curacao Pride.

Asheeria Pryce is a former Mz. Nationz, Miss Duval Plus, Carolinas Continental, Illusions Plus, Miss Imperial and Florida Showstopper. Rianna Petrone has been a hugely popular entertainer in the Palm Beaches for many years. Aaliyah Jae, Crystal Famouz and Karma Sutra are rising stars known for their show-stopping performances at local venues.

Guests will continue to see their favorite ladies of Lips including Amanda Austin, Nicolette, Franchesque Richards, Selena, Velvet Lenore, April Chanel, Daisy Deadpetals, Nicole T. Phillips, Mirkala Crystal and Trinity Beat.

Photo: Rianna Petrone by TheDragPhotographer.com
Photo: Amanda Austin and Mirkala by DragRetouch.com
Photo: Nicollette and Nicole T by The DragPhotographer.com

How did Lips start?

Basically, we started 25 + years ago and the concept came from when I was going out to the clubs. When I went out, a part of me was feeling it would be great to have a place that would sort of be a club with a party atmosphere, but you would be in a restaurant. When we first opened, Planet Hollywood and Hardrock were very big so we emulated them by having memorabilia from various drag queens. Soon after we opened our doors, New York Mag came in and wrote an article and we took off like a rocket.

When did you realize you wanted to branch out into other cities?

New York was so successful very quickly, and one of our Senior partners had a friend in San Diego, so we opened there 4 years later. When that became a success, we started looking for other cities. Fort Lauderdale was third and now we also have Atlanta and Chicago.

Are there other cities in the future?

Yes, if I have the strength to do it.

Why is this the perfect time for Lips Fort Lauderdale to reopen?

The reason we are re-opening now is because more and more people are getting the vaccines every day. The celebrations are a big part of what Lips is all about and since people are feeling more comfortable to go out, this is the perfect time to reopen.

Are you excited about the new cast members?

Yes, we will have all our usual favorite queens and some new and exciting queens.

What should your guests expect?

Basically, the experience of Lips is the moment you walk into the door; you enter into an adult Disney world as we are also the happiest place on earth. We are a fun experience to have a good time, sing, laugh, and some of the best drag shows in town. In addition, we have good food, strong drinks and you will leave happy!

In keeping with the tradition of Lips’ nightly themed shows, the reopening will kick off with “The Divas” on Thursday nights, Glitz & Glam every Friday and Saturday and Lips’ drag-a-licious Gospel Brunch on Sunday.

Guests will continue to enjoy a delicious dinner served by our ladies of Lips from a popular drag-themed menu which features salads, appetizers and entrees, including Chicken Marsala, Atlantic Salmon, Baby Back Ribs, Steak, Garden Vegetable Curry, Mushroom or Lobster Ravioli. Lips also offers a full bar serving its world-famous frozen cosmos and other tasty specialty drinks.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (954) 567-0987.  Follow them on Facebook @LipsFTL and Instagram @lipsfla, or visit Lipsusa.com for more information.