SAN FRANCISCO’S FAVORITE TREAT CARNIE ASADA

Who doesn’t love a little Latin flavored meat? In a burrito, on nachos, even on fries, it’s the must-have meat. Add a little glitter and lashes and you have San Francisco’s fierce answer to drag, Carnie Asada.

An art lover from the start, she masterfully mixes artistry and humor in her drag and has become the go-to emcee and comedian, popping up in the Bay Area’s nightlife and beyond. Never meant for a corporate job, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from Bowdoin College. It was during college that she would visit San Francisco and fall in love. As soon as she moved, she started working with the SF Arts Institute and has not looked back. Enjoy a mouthful of Carnie Asada as our GED Drag Queen Centerfold of the Month!

Hometown:

Originally from Biddeford, Maine. Now my home is San Francisco, California. 

How did you come up with your drag name?
It’s a nod to ‘Carnies’ i.e., carnival acts and, of course, delicious, tasty meat. I am half Puerto Rican and wanted something with a Latin flair. I know Carne Asada is Mexican food, but it is my favorite. And just like me, it is popular and easily found on every street corner in San Francisco. So, Mother Beef was born.

What is your guilty pleasure?
I have no guilt about pleasure! But if I had to choose one, it would be watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Something about a badass woman wearing halter tops to fight demons really speaks to me.

Favorite part about doing drag?
Making people laugh is my favorite thing in the world. There are moments when folks will come up to me after a show and tell me that I made them forget their problems for a few hours. That is the best compliment in the world.

Least favorite part about doing drag?
Nails! My hands are a mess from ripping off fake nails every weekend for 9 years. I don’t have nail beds anymore. I have nail futons. They fold out.

Craziest drag story?
Oh my! Define crazy! Well, one night I accidentally sliced my leg open after a drag show on a broken Martini glass. I had to go to the ER in full drag and get seven stitches.

Most un-drag thing you do?
This is a hard one! I feel like most of what I do filters into my drag somehow.

Strangest hobby or talent?
I have a bizarre knack for rapping!

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?
Gary Busey.

Favorite nightlife hotspot?
I work at several spots in SF so my diplomatic answer is… all nightlife is good nightlife!

Favorite non-profit?
SF Aids Foundation.

Favorite binge food?
Sour Cream and Onion Ruffles Chips.

How much carne asada are you really eating?
A reasonable three meals a day.

Go-to cocktail?
I’ve been sober for about 3 years so I guess it’s a shot of Pedialyte or Penicillin. Wink! Wink!

What would the name of your biography be?
Got Beef?

Favorite song to perform to:?
“Call Your Girlfriend” by Robyn.

What is your after-drag ritual?
I usually eat a meal and watch TV after a long day of shows.

What’s your favorite pickup line?
Put it in!

Strangest place you’ve had “relations?”
A public library. Talk about a Dewey decimal system.

Where can we find and follow you?

I’m @theCarnieAsada on Instagram.