LAMBADA HOT SPOTS SPICE UP THE CITY

Here are some local clubs and restaurants where you can experience the Brazilian craze.

Norah’s Place, 5667 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, (818) 980-6900.

Live music by a tango trio and a salsa band on Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., with a $5 cover charge. This is a hospitable family-type Bolivian restaurant. Argentine tango is a favorite, but the band plays plenty of lambada music.

Spice, 7070 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 460-7070.

Sunday is lambada night in this big, elegant, upscale rock ‘n’ roll club, with a class at 7 p.m., usually followed by an exhibition on stage and a lambada contest. Cover charge is $10. Taped music only. About 11 p.m., Latin gives way to disco. The crowd is mixed ages, nicely dressed.

Cover Girl, 9300 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, (213) 962-1953.

Promoter Maria Lucien has been a Brazilian music and dance pioneer in Los Angeles and her Samba e Saudade club takes over here on Saturdays, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Even though this big club is in an out-of-the-way industrial section, it’s described as “hot and happening,” with a deejay and live bands. There are workshops, contests, lambada fashion shows and a floor show about 11:30. Cover charge is $10 ($15 for a reserved table) and a Brazilian buffet is available. The crowd is all ages, most well-dressed.

Montego, 15910 Ventura Blvd., Encino, (818) 986-7034.

Thursday is Brazilian night, when Lucien’s Samba e Saudade takes over (call her at (213) 962-1953 if reserved table desired). It’s an elegant club with live music. More microskirts than lambada skirts, and men are in shirtsleeves, with some executive types in ties and suits. Cover charge on Thursday is $8 ($10 for a reserved table).

El Floridita, 1253 N. Vine St., Hollywood, (213) 871-8612.

This is a Cuban restaurant and nightclub in a shopping center, with ample, safe parking. Beginning March 16, Fridays will be devoted to Brazil, with samba and lots of lambada. Floor shows at 9 p.m. and midnight will showcase top Brazilian performers. Live bands alternate with tapes, and the Friday cover charge will be $7. The crowd is mixed in age, although usually younger than 25.

Miami Spice, 13515 Washington Blvd. at Lincoln, Marina del Rey, (213) 306-7978.

Tuesday is the night for lambada in this restaurant/club, with classes between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. for $5. There is a small floor accommodating 15-20 couples and a live band.With lambada, salsa and reggae the equalizers, the crowd is becoming crossover. Dress is non-specific and casual.

Hy’s Century City, 10131 Constellation Blvd., Century City, (213) 487-5710.

Lambada classes are offered on Wednesday nights in this clean, glossy bar (there is an adjoining restaurant). There is no cover charge, but classes are $7 each. Beginner’s class is at 7 and intermediate at 8. There is a nightly show around 11.

On the Waterfront, 205 Ocean Front Walk (at Rose), Venice, (213) 392- 0322.

A Brazilian band plays lambada in this restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights after dinner, 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. There is a small dance floor, and the band alternates with taped music. The crowd here is all ages, but mostly young. Cover charge is $5.

Landmark Studio, 1455 N. Gordon, Hollywood, (213) 962-4702.

This $10 Sunday afternoon three-hour lambada, salsa and Argentine tango workshop has a party atmosphere and is an alternative to clubs. About 100 people join in, 3-6 p.m. The crowd is a mixture of professional dancers, actors, choreographers and others. An eclectic variety of clothes here.