A smokin' good time at W.H. hookah lounge

Blink and you’ll miss it.

The Mazika Hookah Lounge sits on Westminster Road in West Hempstead — a small neon sign above the doorpost is the only clue that it’s there. But it is fitting that the spot has a low profile: owner John Koodsi fashioned it after traditional Middle Eastern hookah lounges, where flashy decor is anomalous.

Instead, Mazika exudes an air of tranquility. You walk through the blacked-out front door into a small, dimly lit room furnished with dark tables and cushioned seating. The sweet smells of flavored tobacco — mainly fruit and flower flavors — fill your nostrils. Sheer red drapes cover the windows and, in the dimness, your eyes catch the sparkle of dozens of trinkets that hang from the ceilings, which are adorned with authentic Syrian light fixtures.

On one particular night in June, Mazika offered more to catch your eye: the paintings of Nicole Kivirtzikis and Toni Asena, Bellmore natives who, in the hope of promoting their graphic novel, asked Koodsi to host the “Rock n Roll Gypsy Show” and display their work.

Some 13 acrylic and oil paintings, which the artists described as “mystical,” hung along the lounge walls. For the most part, they fit right into the theme of the place, with lots of gold and black colors, and even some Arabic, Middle Eastern and paisley patterns.

“Toni and I wanted to it in a hookah lounge since we thought it would be a great atmosphere for the show,” said Kivirtzikis, who works as an art editor for the Herald. “While other places didn’t seem that interested, John, the owner, was immediately into the idea, and I believe he’s open to have more of these events at Mazika.”

While the artist’s intent was to promote their supernatural tween graphic novel “Wish,” they found that having an art show for its own sake at the hookah lounge was a good move on both their parts and on Koodsi’s part.

Koodsi was immediately receptive to the idea when the two artists presented it to him. Although business has been good in the year and a half since he opened Mizika, Koodsi said he is always looking for ways to keep the guests entertained. Once a month he hosts a belly dancing show with professional dancers, and he’s looking to bring back DJ Night; adding the occasional art show to the list seemed a promising idea.

“A lot of people come here to relax,” Koodsi said. “They like to come here for the atmosphere — just to get away.”

There are a number of regulars who come in during the week to munch on appetizers — hummus, pita, pickled vegetables and baklava —     drink tea and smoke flavored tobacco while conducting business. Koodsi, who has lived in West Hempstead for nine years, knows them all by name. He also knows his younger crowd: college students who come in to do homework and other young adults who need a place to hang out on the weekends.

Depending on the night and the patrons, Koodsi offers different kinds of music, including Arabic, Turkish, Greek and even some modern genres for the younger guests. He is now applying for a liquor license as well. Koodsi also opened a mini-market next door about six months ago and is considering expanding the lounge to better accommodate the always growing crowd.

For the next few months, Mazika will keep the “Rock n Roll Gypsy Show” pieces up for those interested in stopping by to see or purchase them. You can also check out Mazika Hookah Lounge on Facebook.