Today I had one of my top New York City experiences by far. There are just some things that you NEED to do when you’re in Manhattan, and I’ve decided this is one of them. It’s time to get out of your brunch comfort zone, and see The Haus of Mimosa, a wild and fun drag brunch show.

Every Sunday, Travis Barr and Steven Incammicia take on the characters Anita M. Buffem and Gina Marie Rittale, two fabulous Italian ladies from Queens with the gift of gab. They perform an entire daytime cabaret experience  at KTCHN, a chic brunch spot at The Out hotel in Midtown West.

I was invited to experience the event today, and took my roommate, Olga, with me. As soon as we walked into the bright and airy restaurant, we were greeted by the delightful ladies in their Sunday Best. Ok, it was a larger-than-life Sunday Best, complete with teal glitter eye shadow and leopard print stilettos. Anita and Gina Marie chatted with us and the other diners as drinks were ordered, and then it was on with the show.

The duo are part showgirls, part comedians and part hostesses. They started with a seemingly mundane conversation between two old school New Yorkers, which turned out to be a hilarious comedy act, then all of a sudden they broke into song. Surprises within the performance were endless, including the lip sync battle that required audience participation (yes, my roommate got chosen to perform, and OWNED “Hips Don’t Lie.”)

Between the singing, dancing, comedy and interactive game shows, it seems like it could be overwhelming. I mean, obviously since it’s a drag show, it is supposed to be laugh out loud funny and full of frequent hooting from the audience, but the duo paced out the performance very well. There were intermittent breaks for us to eat, chat and run to the bathroom. It was an immersive experience, one that made me forget where I was and just truly enjoy myself.

The duo performs at KTCHN each Sunday at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. but also have a slew of other performances such as drag bingo and my future bachelorette party (can I reserve that for 10 years from now?) They also have a popular Haus of Mimosa podcast that has been on air since 2007 – I may make an appearance on it in the near future! Haus of MIMosa (Mary in Manhattan, anyone? It was meant to be).

I’m going to stop talking now, and let the Queens from Queens show you how awesome they are for yourself:

Thanks to the Haus of Mimosa and KTCHN for a complimentary dining experience.