Fascinatingly delicious: "Drag Queen Brunch"

by Poppy Tooker
with Sam Hanna

Culinary historian, media personality, and award-winning author Poppy Tooker continue to serve as one of New Orleans’ most notable preservationists, keeping the Crescent City’s culture and history alive.

In her sixth book, Drag Queen Brunch, Tooker combines the history and tradition of New Orleans drag culture with striking imagery, captivating stories, and curated recipes from some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to CrescentCare, a non-profit organization that has been providing care to the underserved and LGBTQ+ communities in New Orleans and surrounding areas for more than 30 years.

With photography by Sam Hanna and a foreword by nationally renowned drag artist Vinsantos Defonte, Drag Queen Brunch takes readers on a rollicking journey through New Orleans with a bevy of drag queens as they host a one-of-a-kind brunch.

Stunning photos of glamorous dishes (the queens and cuisine) deliver surprises with every page. Profiles of 15 drag beauties tell unique and personal stories, and 60 cocktail and brunch recipes from New Orleans’ famed dining institutions and top-tier eateries will leave readers hungry for more.
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Each drag queen has a story, and Tooker eloquently and effortlessly communicates these beauties’ personal journeys. From Debbie with a D’s prevail over a Pentecostal upbringing where cross-dressing was a sin and Auda Beaux Di’s ability to translate misfortune into each performance to Princesse Stephaney’s storied history performing since the ’80s and Lana O’Day’s incredible career as a singer, model, and dancer - each comes to life on the pages of Drag Queen Brunch.

The book is chock full of savory and sweet dishes and cocktail recipes from New Orleans’ most acclaimed restaurants. Fabulous brunch recipes include Creole Crawfish Strudel from Commander’s Palace; Shakshuka from Saba; Crepes Fitzgerald from Brennan’s; Boudin Breakfast Burritos from Toups South; Fried Louisiana Oyster & Pork Belly BLT from Jack Rose; Eggs Sardou and Café Brulot Diabolique from Antoine’s; Hooch Punch from Sobou and more. Tooker, also a pro in the kitchen, shares some of her brunch recipes as well, from Pain Perdu (both sweet and savory) and Grillades & Grits to Calas and Nectar Ice Cream Soda.

“This book is intended to curate the beauty and tell the delicious tales of drag queen’s past and present,” Tooker states. The unique combination of storytelling, breathtaking imagery, and sumptuous recipes makes Drag Queen Brunch an essential book in any household.

Drag Queen Brunch is available for purchase at www.rainbowroadpress.com, www.poppytooker.com, bookstores, and online retailers, including Amazon.

Drag Queen Brunch Rainbow Road Press | August 27, 2019 | $29.99 | Hardcover | 160 pages | 9781941879276

The Gayly. 10/20/2019 @ 3:47 p.m. CST.