Love Songs Hit the Spot

Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight? Well, I know a guy who sings Elvis tunes at a Persian club in Encino, who wears his heart openly on his sleeve.

He’s Hovik, and he’ll wipe your blues away. An international singer of love, Hovik performs six nights a week at the Spot, a new Persian restaurant and nightclub that’s a refreshing break from the norm.

Its young owner, Bob Habibi, a Persian immigrant who grew up in Encino, opened the Spot 21/2 months ago as a place dedicated to celebrating L.A.’s multicultural community. The menu offers authentic Persian, Israeli and American food and Hookah pipes, or “nergeelais” as he calls them, for dessert. Flavors such as apple, strawberry and banana put a sweet scent into the night air.

The Spot, located behind GNC Vitamins in the Encino Town Center, is a small restaurant with simple decor and an extended covered patio.

The place is already popular among sports fans, who hang out there to watch international sporting events. And I like the fact that it doesn’t serve alcohol, although they’ve applied for a liquor license. Delete beer from soccer nuts and you might have a civilized bunch.

But aside from the yummy food, prepared by Ali Nikijan, the Spot’s main appeal is Hovik. Picture C.C. DeVille mixed with the Andy Kaufman’s character Latka and you’ve got Hovik. The singer immigrated 10 years ago, in the hopes of making it in the entertainment business and he’s been singing for his supper ever since.

Every night except Wednesday, when Johnny from Johnny and His Band takes over, Hovik sings love songs ... in six languages. He sings in Italian, French, Spanish, Armenian, Persian and mostly English. His voice is reminiscent of Willie Nelson’s, which ain’t a bad thing. It’s a merger of country twang with foreign roots that lends itself to a multitude of styles.

On a recent Thursday, we ended up staying for hours. It was a week after the Sept. 11 tragedy and everybody was in the mood for beautiful songs.

The club’s Middle Eastern connection wasn’t lost on anyone. People were so exhausted by the week’s events and just wanted to feel better. So Hovik took a spin back in time and played a collection from the ‘60s. Just hearing those old classics was like food for the soul.

Hovik treated us to “Spanish Eyes,” “Love Me Tender” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” alongside such gems as “Morning Has Broken” and “Groovy Kind of Love.” He sang a Serge Gainesbourg tune, as well as Persian and Spanish ballads. He sang Sinatra.

The Spot’s motto is “Yaran,” which means “friendly,” and I’ll tell you something, they really live up to their promise. Everyone was exceptionally nice and there’s little doubt, we’ll be coming back.

As Hovik reminded all of us that night, you can find a groovy kind of love wherever you go. You just gotta know where to look.

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The Spot, 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino, (818) 783-2233. All ages. No cover. Open until 4 a.m., Friday and Saturday.

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Today’s Club Buzz column is available at https://www.calendarlive.com/buzz.