As if we weren’t already fans of the winning combination of bottomless prosecco, a yummy lunch, drag queens, and ’50s flair. Now the Imperial’s retro weekend lunch party, Drag Me To Lunch, is stepping up its stiletto heels for Mardi Gras season with an oh-so-extra gin pairing.
When you think about it, gin is like the drag queen of the spirits – she’s infused with florals, strong and dainty at once, fermented in an over-the-top (copper) closet, she’s not everyone’s cup of tea (but you’d be surprised who she can win over with her charms), and she’ll put some hair on your chest while leaving a lipstick-stained kiss on your cheek.
It makes sense that the Impy has paired up with British artisinal gin producers Whitley Neill to create three fabulous cocktails to pair with their plant-based lunch arrangement. Sip on a Parma Violet ginsecco on arrival, heady with herbaceous floral notes and juniper; before Quince Gin with notes of stone fruits and citrus pairs perfectly with your starters (the Imperial’s signature coconut ceviche Cali guacamole); and a crisp, tart Rhubarb and Ginger gin to go with your second course (herby half-roasted cauliflower, and a Beyond Meat banger with summer squash).
All of this goes down with two hours of flowing prosecco to keep you hydrated (and believe us, the friendly staff will ensure your glass is topped up) and the option to add on a gin-fused dessert created with Whitley Neill’s raspberry gin.
The inimitable Peach Fuzz will guide you through this juniper-y degustation in the Priscilla’s bistro. This old-school glamour is the Italian immigrant housewife from over the fence that you always wanted to befriend. She’ll be serving up all the lip-synching, dancing comedic joys the Imperial is known for.
The Ginsecco edition of Drag Me To Lunch takes place every Saturday and Sunday between 1-3pm throughout Mardi Gras season, from Februrary 15 to March 1. At just $59 a pop for all that tipple, feasting fabulousness what are you waiting for? Let the fun be-gin!