Glamour Spot

Club X marks the spot where Middle East meets West. It’s an Iranian club, held Friday and Saturday nights at the Doubletree Hotel, where deejay Mohsen alternates Western Top 40 and Iranian music. The mix keeps three sizable dance floors constantly occupied.

Club X takes place in an elegant banquet room at the Doubletree, retaining the room’s aura while adding a sleek nightclub feel. Gorgeous chandeliers, as well as the almighty disco ball, sparkle above.

Short-sleeved shirts, jeans and tennis shoes are not permitted, a strict dress code that’s unusual for laid-back Orange County. But there’s no disputing that the sharply dressed patrons add to the glamorous ambience.

That said, the 18-month-old club is no hangout for just the martini-sipping 007 set either. Anyone who wants to spiff up is welcome, says promoter Iman Foroutan.

A blackjack table adds a smidge of Las Vegas glitz, but instead of money, players can win music videos, compact discs and stuffed animals. Red and green lasers, reminisent of slot machine lighting, help create a mystifying mood.

Club-goers can play pool at one of three tables or carry on a candle-lit conversation at one of many white-linen-covered tables.

A free appetizer buffet of cheese and crackers starts at 9 p.m., but the food vanishes almost instantly. Fortunately, the hotel’s restaurant is nearby.

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Artwork created for Club X by Masoud Nauvi decorates the banquet room. Nauvi’s multimedia works employ an extensive array of materials including mirrors, fabrics and acrylic. Many paintings incorporate specially designed paints that, set against black lights, add brilliance.

Foroutan designed a deejay booth to provide improved sound over the hotel’s existing deejay area.

Concerts headlining Iranian singers and bands are a big event at the club. Last month, singer Faramarj Aslaniz packed the house. Concert nights, usually twice a month, typically fill up by 11:30 p.m.

Coming Feb. 27 is the locally based Persian band Ishan. Foroutan, besides having a doctorate in engineering, working as an executive of an information-systems company and running Club X, is a member of Ishan.

Club X is semiprivate, with more than 1,100 members. Silver, gold and platinum memberships include privileges such as no queues and no cover. The greatest member benefit may be the guaranteed table seating, given how crowded this place can get.

Of course, you don’t have to be a member, as long as you can come up with the $10-$12 cover. But you do need to own something with long sleeves.

BE THERE

Club X at the Doubletree Hotel, 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Cover: $10 Friday, $12 Saturday. Dress code enforced. 21 and over. (714) 540-7000.