Drag Fever: Meet Ritzy Bitz
Zafytg
With her death-defying stunts, quick wit, and overwhelming beauty, Ritzy Bitz made a name for herself in NYC’s drag scene and now is ready to conquer Austin, too. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview her for Zaftyg over Zoom, and the rumours were true: she is more than a pretty face! Her answers below are enlightening, engaging, and honest. So if you’re interested in the drag scene, talented queers, LGBTQIA+ rights, beauty secrets or just having a good time, keep reeding. Learn more about the lovely and beacon of light drag queen Ritzy Bitz.

 
 
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Photo by Team Blended

 

Photo By Cole Saladino

Drag Brunch Is the Most Important Meal of the Week
Thrillist

“Drag brunch is the gateway to all drag,” Ritzy Bitz, a petite, bronze-skinned NYC queen who hosts a weekly brunch at La Pulperia in Hells Kitchen, tells me. “It’s friendly, it’s during the day -- you’re not disturbing the gays in their natural habitat. People don’t always want to or have the ability to go to a drag show at 11 p.m. or midnight or 1 a.m., and as a drag queen, we’re competing with the music, a drunk crowd, people wanting to go home with each other.”

Ritzy says that drag brunch is the best combination for both attendees -- brunch goers get a meal and entertainment, and drag queens can maintain regular working hours while performing for a more receptive audience. “It’s more intimate -- there’s a danger element, because the servers are walking around with food while I’m tumbling around, but I can also
engage with the audience more directly.”

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The Importance of Drag Brunch in NYC
Food&Wine

Despite the frigid weather of NYC winter, La Pulperia, which recently celebrated its fourth anniversary of drag brunch, was packed with patrons of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. Gilda Wabbit, Ritzy Bitz’s guest that afternoon, is popular for her appearance in the viral meme “The Future Liberals Want,” where she’s dressed in full drag and seated next to a Muslim woman wearing a niqab.

Both Gilda and Ritzy worked in harmony as the La Pulperia waitstaff served cocktails and appetizers. The queens danced, sang, and cracked jokes while patrons scarfed down milanesa sandwiches, ceviche, and Bloody Marys. Victor Medina, co-owner of La Pulperia, was inspired to launch drag brunch at the restaurant after a conversation with Brandon J. Fernandez, a promoter who believed the space would be perfect for high-kick performances from queens.

Wanderlust in the City

The drag show was so much fun! On our day Ritzy Bitz hosted and had everyone in the restaurant laughing the entire time. She acted out skits, told jokes, and performed to songs, even throwing in a few impressive gymnastics tricks.

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Best Drag Shows in NYC

Unlimited cocktails for $30 plus fabulous drag performances? Yaas, queen. Seatings at noon and 2:15pm let you sleep in a little before you chow down on pulled pork tostadas, guacamole, and other loosely Latin American-inspired brunch foods. Comedy, dance, acrobatics, and plenty of energy will keep your hungover eyes wide as queens get up close and personal with your empanadas. “The show is a raunchy laugh riot that may not be suitable for those under the age of 18, and the easily offended,” says Ritzy Bitz, one of the brunch performers.