Drink Up: On The Gaydar

In Chelsea, the former home of Suede--which we always thought was pretty gay-- is going all the way with Release. Aaron Turner, who some of you may remember from such films you won't find on IMDB as Delicious, Small Town Girls and Coed Fever, has turned to promotion with the renovated space. And with him with be high-end djs, theme nights and probably a velevet rope or two.

Further Uptown, Vlada Lounge (pictured) is the new vodka-based lounge from the manager of Russian Samovar. Vlada von Shats is following Sasha Lyon (of the finally open three-level Sasha) naming his stylish bar after, well, himself. Besides more than a dozen vodkas flavored with herbs, berries, some we couldn't believe could fit into a decantor--cantaloupe? The place looks lovely- comfortable banquettes, a now requisite sleek bar and the addition of interesting visual art from the area. Soon, drag shows to go with your martini or vodka rocks.

Release
161 West 23rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues
(212) 633-6113

Vlada Lounge
331 West 51st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
(212) 974-8030