Welcome to Part II of our Insider Tips “Double Take” Edition!
Yesterday, we heard from J. Conrad Frank, actor, singer, and creator of the celebrated San Francisco drag character, Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy—who will be hostessing and performing at a special “Divas! Cabaret Brunch” on Sunday, September 16 at the Penthouse Club.
Yes. You read that correctly. The luxe Broadway pole dancing parlor has begun offering a once-monthly buffet brunch extravaganza featuring fully clothed entertainers and an open invitation to the gay community. We’ll make like non-fish out of water and drop by to file a report next weekend. For now, let’s hear what the Countess thinks counts the most in San Francisco…
Clang, clang, clang went the trollop! (Photo: Jose Ruiz Colon)
What’s your favorite cultural institution in town?
Well darlings, I suppose my favorite cultural institution would have to be Dede Wilsey, President of the Board of Trustees for the de Young Museum. Her diamonds and good deeds alone make her A-OK in my book.
What’s the best spot in the city to take in a view?
Order a double and park yourself, by the Photo Booth for Juanita More’s “Booty Call Wednesday” party at Q Bar. Sit back and watch all the pretty young things parade by, in all the latest fashions, or nothing…
What are your favorite shopping spots?
Give me your AMEX, and I’ll be pleased to take you on a walk through Neiman’s on Union Square. Afterwards we can stumble up to the Rotunda for a cocktail and the best “society ladies who lunch” watching you could ever imagine.
Eat? Darlings, I drink my meals, but I do love a dessert. If you can handle a long line, I promise you, the Morning Bun at Tartine Bakery is heaven in bread.
Where do you recommend for cocktail hour?
Martuni’s is where I drink, though I do occasionally take a quick one at Persian Aub Zam Zam in the Haight.
If you had $50 or more per person to spend for a dinner out, where would you choose, and why?
Well my liquor bill alone is always over $50, but if you’re going to splurge (and love fondue), get yourself over to The Matterhorn on Van Ness.
And what if you had less than $15 per person?
On a sunny afternoon, grab a delectable sandwich at Ike’s, and walk over to Dolores Park, where you can take in all the views that the “Gay Beach” (as we locals call it) has to offer.
What would you recommend that visitors to SF should definitely check out that they’d be unlikely to find in a guidebook?
Well, my show of course, every third Sunday at Martuni’s, 7 PM sharp.
The Countess trills on video…after the jump.
