Submitted by The-Nexus on Fri, 01/15/2010 - 4:00pm.

**UPDATED** SCENE + HEARD: Did Lavish Just Vanish?

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 (Mimi Imfurst and Geronimo at Lavish Lounge)
 
The Nexus is totally bummed about the apparent demise of Astoria's Lavish Lounge—our Queens homies would always regale us with stories of great nights out at the club, watching Mimi Imfurst, Lady Blue, Rebecca Glasscock and the rest of the girls strut their stuff.
 
But the story is kind of murky: On the Lavish Lounge Facebook page, a posting on December 21 said the bar was under new management and that patrons were invited to an "opening celebration" on December 22. But by last week, it appeared the barely year-old club had transformed into a breeder bar called X-Centric. (Ha-ha, get it?) Did the new owners pull a bait-and-switch? We tried to get the straight dope—so to speak—but got a busy signal every time we called the bar. And the Lavish Lounge website hasn't been updated. We'll keep you posted as news breaks.
 
**UPDATED: 01.15.2010**
The Nexus got in touch with former Lavish Lounge manager Braden Chapman about the bar's recent closing. "I don't know the full details... I left the bar officially in September [and] it is my understanding that after I left the whole thing fell apart," Chapman explained.  He does remember his time there fondly, though. "My experiences with the bar were some very great fond memories. Its an amazing space and the customers who came into the were some of the nicest guys. I just remember having so much [fun] because there was no pretension. The boys that came in didn't try to be anything they weren't, and the drag queens, DJs and go-go boys put on their all. I will truly miss it."
 
But, says Chapman, the demise of Lavish Lounge was "another case of a straight owner trying to open a gay bar without listening to their gay staff."  Ignoring the years of experience Lavish's staff and entertainers brought to the table, Chapman believes, led to the bar's demise. "I gave 200% for so long and ultimately was taken for a run."
 
Do you have some inside scoop on this story? Want to dish about a memorable night at Lavish? Share with the class in the comment field below. —Dan Avery

**2010 UPDATE**Lavish Lounge is now Xcentric Lounge!!!

Submitted by Sassy on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 7:06pm.

Hello Guys & Gals! I have the inside scoop about what REALLY happened to Lavish Lounge in Astoria, Queens! It's now called XCENTRIC LOUNGE and is still GAY! Contrary to reports that it is now a “Breeder” bar. Xcentric Lounge joins neighboring bar Mix Café, in the NEW 2010 upscale Astoria gay bar trend.

Xcentric is located at 34-01 36th Avenue @ 34th Street in Astoria, Queens. Located 3 stops from Manhattan off the N/W train @ 36th Avenue in Astoria.

Xcentric has a new owner who has revamped the venue, creating a sexy, sophisticated, upscale lounge in Astoria. Xcentric is open Tuesdays –Sundays and has a variety of different theme nights!

Tuesdays is “Latin Shower” – a fun Latin party with hot music and hot guys!

Wednesdays is “Gay Idol Karaoke” with Kitten Withuwip -$100 prize!

Thursdays (in February) is “Sassy & Samara’s SEXPOT” – a party for everyone: Gay, Str8, Trans, Bi or however you identify.
**Starting on March 5, 2010 - SEXPOT switches to every FRIDAY NIGHT! **
www.myspace.com/sexpotnyc

So come check out the NEW Xcentric Lounge and see why folks are leaving Manhattan to party in Queens! Xcentric is heating up the cold winter months and is gearing up for an incredible spring and Gay Pride 2010!!! See you on the dance floor!

Love, Love, Love,
Sassy