By Crystal Harrell
The 35th annual Greater Palm Springs Pride is to take place on November 1st through the 7th, celebrating equality and the LGBTQ community. There are several events scheduled to be held throughout the week, including a Hate Crime Vigil, a Pride 5K Run and Walk, a Pride Parade, and a Drag Brunch hosted by Roly China Fusion.
The “Pride Edition” Drag Brunch will take place on November 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Roly China Fusion—a flavorful Chinese restaurant serving delectable dishes. Cuisine can be enjoyed in an intimate dining room setting or guests can try dim sum and other light bites on the outdoor, pet-friendly bar overlooking Palm Canyon Drive, and wind down in the lounge with a cocktail while a live DJ performs. Guests also have the chance to indulge in the Chef’s Table, which is a private VIP dining experience featuring the most exquisite food offerings. Tickets are already on sale for this highly anticipated event.
“We wanted to have the theme of ‘flower power’ because it feels like we’re all coming out of a very long winter with the pandemic. People are itching to get out and party, so this Drag Brunch will be even more special than the ones we have hosted before,” stated owner and chef at Roly China Fusion, Chad Gardner.
Unlimited drinks and dim sum will keep VIP guests satiated, while SoCal’s best drag entertainers and bikini dancers amp up the entertainment for the Drag Brunch. Dreamy, “flower power” decor will transport guests to a happy place and colorful appropriate-themed attire is encouraged for guests. The event will be hosted by the legendary drag entertainer, Rosemary Galore. Rosemary Galore has entertained audiences for 30 years as a dancer, award-winning choreographer, and dance competition judge. As a drag performer since 2019, she has been dubbed the “Newest & Brightest Drag Sensation,” was a New York Fashion week featured model Vaughn Berry, and is a featured performer at many venues in Palm Springs and around Southern California.
Roly China Fusion’s Drag Queen Brunch is already known as the hottest show on the strip, but the Pride Edition promises to be a parade party like no other. Two ticket tiers are available for the event, The Divas Terrace and The Mean Girls Lounge.
The Divas Terrace offers the ultimate VIP experience, happening on the terrace overlooking the very spot where the Pride Parade steps off. This tier also includes an open bar, passed dim sum, brunch bites, exclusive balcony access overlooking the Palm Springs Pride Parade, and additional entertainment provided by the fabulous PS Drag Queen Brunch show. Ticket prices are 150 dollars per person before September 15, and 175 dollars after.
The Mean Girls Lounge tier allows access to the Roly “Flower Power” Lounge and street-side Buddy Bar. It also includes a “Welcome to Pride” cocktail, passed dim sum and brunch bites. Ticket prices are 75 dollars per person before September 15 and 100 dollars after and do not include open bar or balcony access.
Chef Chad Gardner brings in 20 years of restaurant, catering, and fine dining experience to Roly China Fusion. As the founder of Gardner Hospitality Group, his passion for entertaining extends to his other local hospitality concepts, including Dash a Handful—a full-service events and catering company—and 533 Viet Fusion—a popular fast-casual restaurant located near Palms Springs’ Saguaro Hotel.
“I have a great team in each restaurant I work out that supports me and allows me to bounce around each place I work to check in. I’m pretty hands-on when it comes to the Drag Brunch because it is a very fun event. Events are my career background and we are striving to put on something elevated and memorable for this year’s Pride event,” said Gardner.
Gardner Hospitality Group is a collection of hospitality concepts conceived by Gardner himself and he is proud to offer his clients and guests of his restaurants the culmination of his culinary experiences, blending global spices with classic techniques to create sumptuous global modern cuisine.
“I think everyone is ready for the chance to let loose and we want to show them that we are prepared too. The Drag Brunch is considered one of the best Drag performances in Palm Springs and we have entertainers coming that will guarantee a great time,” explained Gardner.
Tickets to the Pride Edition Drag Brunch can be purchased at rolychinafusion.com.
