Martuni’s makes no pretenses. It isn’t a restaurant; food isn’t even a consideration. It is a nightclub offering excellent martinis as well as worthwhile entertainment (hence the name Martuni’s).

The club is a pretty, pastel-colored, two-level chamber with upper balcony and lower-level seating, a small bar and a raised bandstand. The dance floor is an open area facing the stage.

On to the entertainment: The club has karaoke with Linda James Wednesdays, an open-mike jam or blues/classic rock band Thursdays, singer Michelle Certon Fridays, and a blues or contemporary jazz band Saturdays.

As for the unusual: When Certon performs Fridays, she usually brings her sidekick, Irving, onstage for at least one number. Irving is different because he’s a singing dog who generally does his barking best when accompanying Certon as she entertains her audience with her original composition Sun Time. (With or without Irving, Certon is an engaging performer with an easygoing delivery and a lot of charisma.)

Since Certon is a co-owner, she and Irving are always available for a sport performance, as they were the Saturday I visited. That night, Lola and the Sass Masters (Lola Fulia, vocals, Felix Gomez, keyboards, and Paul Berman, saxophone) headlined an evening of stellar jazz. Berman is a fantastic saxophone player who is worth a trip to see wherever he performs.

If you’re a martini lover, take heed: I Love My Martini, a house specialty priced at $7.50 for 6 ounces and $9.25 for 10 ounces served with a sidecar, is superb. Made with Godiva chocolate and Absolut vodka, this definitely is the best martini I’ve ever had.

Nightlife news

* Tonight: Feeling Lucky is the name of the band, and it’s the way the people who run Patrick’s Bar and Grill, 2923 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, want patrons to feel when the band plays popular standards from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

* Saturday: If you’re looking for family fare, take the gang to the Boca Pops at 7:30 p.m. at the Florida Atlantic University Auditorium, Boca Raton. Geared for ages 3 to 93, the event features Voices of the Pops Chorus, 150 Children’s Chorus, Hanukkah Dancers, Santa Claus and music from around the world. Tickets are $18 for adults, $9 for children. Call 561-876-POPS.

* Sunday: Have fun and help the needy. At 7:30 p.m. there is a business/professional cocktail party at Mezzanotte’s, 150 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. The $10 cover benefits the City of Hope.

* Celebrity signal: Now is the time to reserve your tickets for the 1998 South Florida Fair Jan. 16 through Feb. 1 at South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach, and save money. Entertainment includes Grand Funk Railroad on Jan. 16, Loretta Lynn on Jan. 17, Gato Barbieri on Jan. 18, Bill Cosby on Jan. 19, Kenny Rogers on Jan. 20, Backstreet Boys onJan. 21, .38 Special on Jan. 22, John Anderson on Jan. 24, Tex Beneke and Orchestra on Jan. 26, Tanya Tucker on Jan. 27, Opry Day with Jim Ed Brown on Jan. 28 and LeAnn Rimes and Bryan White on Feb. 1. Call 561-798-FAIR or 800-640-FAIR.

* New Year’s Eve alert: This is the last day to let us know of an impressive New Year’s Eve event for our special New Year’s Eve edition. Please fax us the information at 954-835-2347.

News concerning local entertainment events and performers is welcome. Please send such information to Joan Brazer Durante, Entertainment Department, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-2293 or fax her at 954-835-2347.

MARTUNI’S

111 SE Mizner Blvd.

Boca Raton

561-347-6622

Music: jazz, blues, Top 40

Entertainment Hours: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays

Cover: none

Minimum: no

Valet parking: no

Dress: neat, casual