I recently had the responsibility of planning a 50th birthday party.  Now, 50 is one of those landmark birthdays you simply can’t mess up…or who will be blamed until the end of time?  The party planner, that’s who.  I wasn’t willing to take that risk.  So in Googeling ideas for the big 5-0, I quickly dismissed all the suggestions I came across: fancy dinner (she hates expensive restaurants), adventure trip (with a fear of heights, neither jumping out of a plane or riding in a hot air balloon was happening), or surprise party (note to self: never throw a 49th surprise get-together when 50 is right around the corner.)  Out of choices and strapped for time, I did what any red-blooded NYC girl would: brought in the drag queens.

That’s right.  I called up Lips, who claimed on their website that they are “the best drag show in NYC.”  I’ve been to quite a few drag shows in my time and know they can be hit or miss, but given the unique and dare I say “classy” atmosphere of Lips (you can watch the show while you’re dining!), I decided to make a rezzie and cross my fingers that it was the most memorable 50th birthday a woman could ever wish for.

Our party of five was seated immediately right up front next to the stage.  Our hostess of the night, All Beef Patty, was as snarky as she was beefy, and we loved every second of it.  She immediately graced our birthday queen with her own rainbow colored crown, and proceeded to have us in stitches with her slightly raunchy, highly hysterical sense of humor.  The girls got jokes, that’s for sure!

I was pretty shocked that the food was not just edible, but really tasty!  I guess when you’re dining at a drag show your expectations of cuisine are on the low end, but my Penne Ala Vodka was right on par with most Italian places.

Midway through the show, they call all the birthday divas up to the stage one-by-one for their moment in the spotlight and a slice of Chocolate Sin Cake, which looked just to die for.  I was a little nervous when Beef Patty asked our birthday girl for a titty bump, but thank goodness she laughed and went right along with it.  I guess all that glitter has a way of bringing out the crazy in people, and making the big 5-0 one to remember!

For a tour of Lips with All Beef Patty, check out their video, and for more information or to make a reservation for a birthday, bachelorette party, or Bar Mitzvah (kidding!), visit their website.

WHERE: Lips

227 East 56th Street

New York, New York

212.675.7710

By: Jessica Tiare Bowen