The sky was dark and the clouds heavy, but that was not enough to dampen the spirits of the more than 1,000 people who took part in a walking tour to savor Taste of Uptown/Hillcrest. Since we had out-of-town guests, my friend Edith and I decided to do the tasting tour and acquaint them with the area and all the wonderful gastronomical choices in the neighborhood. After starting with a martini right at noon at (where else?) Martinis Above Fourth and sampling their mini crab cakes, we were on our way. Now, keep in mind that all the food samplings are of petite portions, but be rest assured that before we were halfway through, even Kirstie Alley would have cried “uncle.” The selections at the tasting ranged from Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean to a whole mini course in Asian cuisine that included Thai spring rolls from The Asian Bistro, pad Thai from Taste of Thai, teriyaki chicken and California rolls from Nami and cream cheese wantons and pepper beef from Taste of Szechuan. Spread in between courses, we had wine from The Wine Lover, pasta in vodka sauce from Bacione and coffee from Peets, topping it off with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. We also tried great desserts like the brownies and ice cream from Kemo Sabe, the lemon tart from City Deli and the apple chocolate fondue from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. There were several places that we skipped, either because the line was too long or just because we were saving room for others. It was also nice to see mostly non-gay families lining up and enjoying our neighborhood and outstanding restaurants. By the time we gave up two hours later, we all agreed that the Angus beef sliders from Terra’s and the imperial Vietnamese spring rolls from Saigon on Fifth rated the highest marks, with Ono Sushi hands down the most gracious spot with the most food. Same time next year, boys!

Two weeks ago, I was invited as a special guest to the Cinema Society of San Diego’s screening of the movie Kinky Boots at the AMC in La Jolla. Dressed in a leather bustier and pants with red patent leather boots, I dragged (no pun intended) City Commissioner Julia Legaspi along with me for company and moral support. First we arrived at the wrong theater across the street and wondered where everyone was. After we were ushered to the right theater, I became concerned about how the film was going to be received and whether the Cinema Society’s members would welcome me as an “expert” on the subject of drag.

The film is based on a true story about the family-owned Price shoe factory in Northampton that is down on its luck and in the hands of third-generation shoe cobbler Charlie Smith (Joel Edgerton). He meets an unlikely ally, Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor – remember him in Love Actually?), a drag queen who complains that they don’t make sexy high-heeled boots that can support the size and weight of a man. What follows is a heartwarming story about respect, changing minds and unity in struggle, which finally triumphs at a show in Milan.

When the lights came back on after the movie, Andy Friedenberg of the Cinema Society introduced me and I sashayed my way down the aisle to the front of the theater for some Q&A, praying I wouldn’t trip along the way. I must tell you I had the best time of my life. The crowd was warm and friendly, and apart from the usual questions of how I got started, where I shop and where I perform, the best question came from a nice elderly gentleman who asks if I do bar mitzvahs! There is a great line in the movie when Lola describes thigh-high boots as not just a pair of shoes but also as “two and a half feet of irresistible sex!” Funny, I would have been happy with eight inches.

The Brass Rail in Hillcrest is sort of revered as the mother church for drag shows. Longtime home of the legendary Dreamgirls, many of us have come through its doors and lip-synched our way to fame and fortune. Well, perhaps just too much applause. A few weeks ago, many of San Diego’s legendary drag performers came together to pay tribute to one of our own, the incomparable Marilyn, who’s gone on to drag heaven.

Bacchus House and Kickers are but two of the clubs in town that have regular drag shows. Mother Hal at The Rail has always been supportive, and this past Sunday, we were back to celebrate Nathan Garcia’s birthday. There was an abundance of food and the crowd was very enthusiastic as the “girls” belted out their songs. Emperor Richard Britton was in attendance, as was Lala Too, Katrina, Penelope and Regina, and the Latin Rhythm Creation wowed the audience. Though this was not a big show, friends of Nathan came together and raised over $700 for the Queen Eddie Conlon Youth Fund managed by The Center and the Ben Dillingham Community Grant of the Imperial Court. Thank you to Prince and Princess Royale Jack and Greta for putting the show together.

All Worlds Video exclusive Kevin Brown will make his first live appearance in San Diego Thursday, April 27, at Bacchus House for the It’s Raining Men wet underwear contest. Kevin is from North Carolina and has appeared in many steamy videos, including Sex with Strangers and Captured. With $1 well drinks, video giveaways from All Worlds and hot guys getting wet in their Rufskin underwear for $250 in cash and prizes, Thursday night at Bacchus House is the happening place to be in San Diego. What a deal!

After three years in San Diego, I still get lost a lot and have never ventured to Fashion Valley on my own, but I’ve recently found South Park. After a long, depressing day, I decided I needed a shoulder so I picked up my sister, Cristina, and we decided to try a new restaurant, Vagabond, which is located at 2310 30th St. The building looks like an old mission and the space isn’t huge, but the very interesting décor reflects the type of “world” food they serve. One corner of the restaurant is Moroccan inspired, while the next wall is Asian themed and includes wise proverbs from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. Yet another small area has a French Mediterranean feel to it, making the entire place very quaint and worldly. Philippe and Jerome have done an outstanding job of creating a mélange of classic meals, like a superb Coq au Vin that makes you want to dip an entire basket of crackling bread into its rich sauce. We started with calamari that could use a little crispness, but was well saved by the sprinkling of Vietnamese-inspired toppings of roasted garlic, chives and diced tomatoes. I also enjoyed the Paella Valenciana served in its own pan. They also have a large selection of wines from various ports of the world. Vagabond was jumping for a Monday night, and by the time we left at 7:30 p.m. (it was an early dinner) the place was packed. I strongly recommend making reservations – call (619) 255-1035. Vagabond won’t be the best-kept secret for long.

The San Diego Rodeo kick-off party takes place Thursday, April 27, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Kickers. Following that, move on to Bacchus House for the wet underwear contest at 10:00 p.m. On Friday, April 28, the irreverent Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host a rodeo pool party at the Four Points by Sheraton from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The actual rodeo takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30, at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, beginning each day at 1:00 p.m. Visit www.sandiegorodeo.com for details.

The annual freedom fiesta Cinco de Mayo is back at The Center on Friday, May 5, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Carlos Silva and his friends will be serving up traditional Mexican food, a show and the selection of the Mr., Ms. and Miss Cinco de Mayo. Your $10 donation will benefit the Queen Eddie Conlon Youth Fund and San Diego Young Positives. Call (619) 692-9076 for more information.

KUSI’s Kimberly Hunt hosts Runway in the Park, a fashion show party at the San Diego Museum of Man in Balboa Park on Sunday, May 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Produced by fashion guru Leonard Simpson’s Fashion Forward to benefit Ordinary Miracles, there will also be food from top restaurants, a raffle auction and DJ Bruce Trites spinning the dance party. Presale tickets are available at www.cultivatelife.org.