Anita Rose Serves Up the “Bitchiest Brunch”

Shakespeare wrote that a rose by any other name would still smell…or something like that. Meet Palm Springs Diva Anita Rose. Love her for her gorgeous bloom but watch out for those thorns. I have personally experienced both – trust, you do not want to get on her bad side. Anita has been performing and hosting for over 9 years and currently serves as the hostess with the mostess for the longest-running brunch in Palm Springs, Oscar’s “Bitchiest Brunch,” consistently sold-out weeks in advance. She can burn you with her tongue, but also command an audience with her charm. Her social media reads like Sex and the City of drag and her obsession with food is Fatal Attraction level. You never know what new venue or city she will pop up in with her minions, but you can be guaranteed a show you will never forget.

Hometown: Rubidoux in Riverside, CA

How did you come up with your drag name?

I said, “I need a name.” Hence, Anita. Then, I took one of the most hated queen’s last name – hence, “Rose” – that name had a lot of mud on it and made it my own.

How long have you lived in Palm Springs?

I have been living in Palm Springs for 5.5 amazing years.

What do you love about Palm Springs the most?

What I love most about Palm Springs is that I always feel like I can be myself! Even with those parades!

Favorite part about doing drag?

My favorite part about drag is knowing I can entertain ANY audience… which MANY people cannot do! And fooling the straight men. It’s like a shiny object they want but can’t have!

Least favorite part about doing drag?

My least favorite part of drag would be how expensive it is, and many do not realize how much goes into an entire ensemble.

Craziest drag story?

For legal reasons, I can’t tell you the story I want to tell. Find me at a bar and I will tell you. But my other story is I missed my flight from Seattle to Palm Springs. So, as I boarded a different flight, the attendant noticed I was flustered. Once we took off, he asked me if I was Anita Rose. I said yes that would be me. He said he had seen some of my shows and is a fan and showed me a pic of us together. MIND YOU, there is a college basketball team sitting around me wondering what is going on. So, he upgraded my seat and brought me a couple of drinks. Thank You, Edward!

Most un-drag thing you do?

Does my step-uncle count? I’d probably say I work in haunted houses.

Strangest hobby or talent?

I’m obsessed with Escape Rooms…

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?

I only say “needs” a drag makeover because I know he wants to do it so badly, and that’s my friend Jonathan Bennett.

Honey Mahogany

Favorite Palm Springs hotspot?

Wherever there are tacos – I’m there.

Favorite Palm Springs non-profit?

There are so many it’s hard to choose from. I try to dabble with everyone.

Favorite Palm Springs restaurant?

Favorite restaurant would be Oscar’s. It also happens to be where I host the longest-running show in town.

Go-to cocktail?

My favorite cocktail is a Raspberry Kamikaze as a cocktail. It’s tart, like me … and strong, like me.

What would the name of your biography be?

Well, I love making dad jokes so it would probably be “Dad’s Joke.”

Favorite song to perform to?

“And I Am Telling You” – I will ALWAYS slay the house.

What is your after-drag ritual?

My after-drag ritual is once I take everything off, I take a deep breath, then cry into my tacos.

What’s your favorite pickup line?

My favorite pickup line on me would be “Has anyone ever told you that you look like Rosie O’Donnell and John Candy’s baby?” Or “I got you some tacos!”

Where can we find and follow you?

I’m glad you asked! You can find me on all social media platforms under @theeanitarose. And in person, you can catch me hosting the longest-running and most sold-out show in town over at Oscar’s for “Bitchiest Brunch,” or at a taco truck.