Bistro's first drag brunch was sell-out

Posted to: Food Restaurants Spotlight
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By Patrick Evans-Hylton
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 30, 2011

A little song, a little dance and some bawdy jokes accent the new brunch menu at Croc's Eco Bistro.

The venerable Oceanfront eatery has started Sunday brunch service with a twist - the addition of a cabaret-style show featuring female impersonators.

The first drag brunch was Jan. 16, and both the 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. seatings were sold out. In fact, folks were turned away from the brunch, says Laura Wood Habr, a co-owner of the restaurant.

A half-dozen female impersonators danced, told jokes and lip-synced to everything from Nancy Sinatra to Lady Gaga, all dressed in outfits that ranged from psychedelic, swinging '60s to Las Vegas showgirl.

"It's a high energy event," Habr says, noting that the show is modeled after the long-running, popular drag brunch at Godfrey's in Richmond.

The show is free, and nothing on the menu is priced more than $10. Offerings include several dishes like hummus and pita, a nod to Laura's husband, Kal's Lebanese roots.

Traditional brunch offerings included egg dishes, French toast and more, all augmenting specialty drinks.

The next drag brunch is Feb. 13, and future dates will be set, says Habr.

Croc's is at 620 19th St. Call 428-5444 or visit www.crocsrestaurant.com.

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Thank you!

Submitted by Akari on Wed, 02/09/2011 at 10:52 pm.

What a wonderful idea. Thank you for running this feature. I would never have heard about it otherwise and it sounds like so much fun. I can't wait to go!

Comment deleted

Submitted by admin (staffer) on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 2:16 pm.

Comment removed for rules violation. Reason: Racial, ethnic, group attack

nothing new

Submitted by phrase on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 12:28 pm.

There used to be a club on Laskin, The Round Room I believe, that had drag show dinners. This was back in the 80's. It was very popular for a number of years. The world didn't end, Virginia Beach didn't dry up and God didn't flood the world.
Why people have to get so up in arms about something so benign is beyond me.
And thank you Pilot for letting those who are interested know.

Comment deleted

Submitted by admin (staffer) on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 2:18 pm.

Comment removed for rules violation. Reason: Racial, ethnic, group attack

I guess ---------

Submitted by OldCopper2 on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 11:23 am.

I can't wrap my head around this much stupid! To those of you who partake --- thats fine. But why this is newsworthy is more than I can comprehend! What's next the local tiddlie-wink championships?

It is newsworthy

Submitted by IMHO_VB on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 11:31 am.

because it is an event that takes place in the community, and a newspaper's responsibility is to report what happens in the community, especially when it is a local paper reporting on local events. What makes anything newsworthy? Something new, something special, something unique, something relevant - just because it doesn't interest you doesn't mean it isn't something that shouldn't be written about. This isn't hard news, this is community news - see the difference? And yes, if someone did tiddlywinks in drag, or to benefit a cause, or had a record number of folks in attendance, it should be written about in the local newspaper.

It is fun!

Submitted by nadezhda on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 10:22 am.

My sister and I go to Godfrey's once a year just to be there and have a good time! It is such fun. The food is great, the entertainment fun, and the ladies are gorgeous! Glad I don't have to go all the way to Richmond to do this anymore. Nobody is forced to be there. And, yes, keep the kids at home. Not everybody wants to live in a G-rated world.

amazing show! great mind opening experiance!

Submitted by clint24 on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 8:42 am.

its a great show for people who are open minded and willing to have a great harm free time..i noticed a comment or two that didn't approve of the event , this is obviously going to happen..not everyone dances to the same types of music as everyone else..politics aside..the show wasn't created just for you per say its for the community...every big city in the USA has similar shows ..Virginia beach has finally arrived ! and myself and HUNDRED'S if not THOUSANDS of others are happy that were becoming a more diverse community and accepting our neighbors for who they are and the talent they offer , no matter the art form! god bless~

There is a difference to

Submitted by Yepitsme on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 3:02 pm.

There is a difference to being open minded and openly foolish. Don't be so open minded your brains fall out.

Great Show!

Submitted by wayneh73569 on Sun, 01/30/2011 at 8:07 am.

Laura and Cal are to be complimented for bringing a fun-filled show to their restaurant. I enjoyed the show, and based upon my observations everyone else did too. I didn't see anyone who was there against their will or who was aghast at the nature of the event.
As a matter of fact it was a good mix of open-minded, fun-seeking people of all stripes.
Lightening didn't strike and birds didn't fall out of the sky. This was a fun day to be at Crocs' and enjoy the show.