In the Lap of Luxor-y

ORANGE — For proof that generalizations about Orange County’s homogeneity don’t wash anymore, just look to its nightspots.

The Ritz in Anaheim, which caters to a waltzing Vietnamese clientele, is only blocks from El Calor, rock en espanol heaven. Sensations in Irvine, with an African American following, is moments away from Metropolis, a largely Anglo encampment. And none of the above is far from Mike Yousef’s Luxor, frequented by Arab Americans from throughout Southern California.

Bands play traditional and modern Arabic music, and some of the area’s finest belly dancers entertain weekly at the Mediterranean-style restaurant-club, which demands a full evening’s participation.

On a recent Friday, festivities began around 8, as parties were seated cheek-by-jowl at small tables radiating in narrow rows from the dance floor.

Next, a delicious array of appetizers was promptly served. This mezza, part of the prix-fixe, no-menu dinner mixing Lebanese, Egyptian, Turkish and Greek cuisines, includes pita bread to slather with lusty dips made of garbanzo beans (hummus), eggplant (baba ghannouj) and yogurt and cucumber (tzatziki). There are also plates of falafel, stuffed grape leaves and tabbouleh, which combine to send a subtle aroma of garlic into the club’s single room.

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The room’s decor isn’t so subtle. Brightly colored wall paintings of pharaohs and hieroglyphics might be innocent enough on their own. But arcs of beveled mirror frame the paintings, a fake palm tree twinkles with white lights, and a wall of silvery vertical blinds hangs behind the stage adorned with a trio of 3-D golden pyramids.

This must be similar to some contemporary clubs in the Middle East (maybe the touristy ones?), but as a friend said, it looked like Egypt night on a cruise ship.

Still, all eyes were trained elsewhere once the belly dancers emerged, even while pita dipping continued. Three heavily sequined and veiled performers took turns throughout the evening executing shoulder shimmies, figure-eight hip circles and back bends while clashing their delicate sagat, or finger cymbals.

Soon, members of the appreciative audience got the chance to begin working off their oily mezza.

Clad in smart, long, black sheaths, women among the handsome crowd mixed belly dancing with sensual freestyle, eyes coyly cast downward. The guy’s main job seemed to be to circle his woman admiringly. Others caught on, and at one point a hora-like folk dance broke out.

At 10:45 p.m., the meal’s tasty entree of chicken and beef kebabs was served. People who like to eat one course right after another may not take to Luxor’s leisurely pace. But for those who like to eat and dance and eat and drink and dance and drink and eat, an evening there can and does feel like a wedding celebration.

BE THERE

Luxor, 2688 N. Santiago Blvd., Orange; (714) 282-2223. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Reservations advised. Cover includes dinner and entertainment: Thursday, $20; Friday, $25; Saturday, $29. Drinks extra.