Great Place for Dinner in Southern Cal

[GeorgeSSSS]

When my H2 got keyed, H2Finally offered to buy me a drink at his restaurant and have some conversation. My wife and I decided to go over for dinner. WOW -- it was outstanding. We have dinner at good restaurants about 50 times per year, and we can tell you this place is tremendous. It's called Chakra -- -- 304 12th Street in Manhattan Beach.

George SSSS

[GeorgeSSSS]

When my H2 got keyed, H2Finally offered to buy me a drink at his restaurant and have some conversation. My wife and I decided to go over for dinner. WOW -- it was outstanding. We have dinner at good restaurants about 50 times per year, and we can tell you this place is tremendous. It's called Chakra -- -- 304 12th Street in Manhattan Beach.

George SSSS

[H2Finally]

George, you're much too kind! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I would love to extend invite to all yous H2 owners in SoCal (or travelling thru)!

Right now its dinner only (starting 5pm). Full menu should be up in 1 week (and for you ~t, lots of vegan-friendly substitues available! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

Oh, here's the H2 connection -- I've instructed my staffs, "if you see car key with 'H2' on it on the table, drink on the house!!" http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
Oh, here's the H2 connection -- I've instructed my staffs, "if you see car key with 'H2' on it on the table, drinkS on the house!!" http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>There, fixed it. Much better. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ratesguy]

I will be in Coronado over the fourth of July. How far is Manhattan beach?

[DRTYFN]

We need to road trip down through CA, stopping to wheel whenever possible and end up at Finally's new restaurant.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[KenP]

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Great to hear the review. Awesome H2F.

[ChuckE]

Wow, Chakra, huh. And it is only about 2 miles from where I live. What sort of cuisine? sounds Indian.

My wife and I always go out for dinner on Thursday night. But tonight being Thursday, we just came back in. Chakra will have to wait a few more weeks. Sorry.

We are going up to Washington state to our daughter's wedding. And yes, we (wifey and our dogs) are going up in the H2. Good times now.

[tower]

Thank you, H2F! I just got my H2 out of the bodyshop. My friend manages the shop, and I owe him for some extra work he did for me. He's in Hermosa or Redondo, and I'm taking him for drinks and eats Tuesday night. I think I know just where we'll go! Will you be there Tusday around 7pm? It would be great to meet you!

[DH22G]

Iam back in westlake ca now you guys.. come get me on the way!

[H2Finally]

Come on over! If you'll tell me when you guys are showing up, I'll be sure to greet you with a drink (or 2 for Para..http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif).

ChuckE, the food is pan-asian FUSION (i.e. Californian http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif). The full menu will have more euro-fusion dishes.

ratesguy, Coronado is ONLY 2 hours away... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Drty, how abt after Moab, we'll do Rubicon, then JBT, and then drinks at Chakra? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[tower]

WOW! I like to think of myself as having a fairly discriminating palate (despite being a vegetarian). I wanted to take my friend (and manager of the body shop I use) to dinner. I figured what would be more appropriate than H2F's place, owned by an H2 owner. I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. The menu is pan-asian (H2 & his wife bring two Asian cultures together. Their chef adds European influence). They have some great veggie dishes and modified some standard ones for me. Be sure to try the appetizer sampler or Dim Sum "Tower." I wish the name was some how related to my screen name, but it was just coincidence.

My buddy said his filet mignon was the best he ever tasted. (Remember all those steak recipes we all suggested? I guess they paid off!) I'm not a dessert person, but we tried a couple and they were positively sinful (in the best possible way).

H2F and his wife (I'm leaving names out by design) treated us to much hospitality. They just got their entertainment/dance license confirmed so this place promises to become one of Manhattan Beach's hottest night spots. Also, ask H2F to show you his mod's. He has some very intersting and original toys on his truck.

H & E, thank you both. I can't wait to bring H2Blondie for dinner. See you in Moab, or the next time I want really great dining experience! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[GeorgeSSSS]

I like Drty's idea. A trip through Cal ending at H2Finally's.

George SSSS

[H2Finally]

~t,

Thank you for the kind words. In the restaurant business, satisfied diners are often more rewarding than the financial gains.

It was a distinct pleasure to (finally) meet you and your good buddy! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

To others that plan to visit, please remember mine is but a small humble restaurant, though good food and better hospitality is promised! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Welcome all!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ChuckE]

I just got back home from going to Chakra.

Really nice restaurant, with a very pleasant atmosphere, definitely upscale.

I had the coconut shrimp, and it was among the best I've ever had.

My wife had the lamb and she liked it very much. She said some places just don't know how to make lamb, but the lamb at Chakra was terrific.

[RasterMaster]

If you want a good dinner experience....come to OkC....visit Toby Kieth's in Bricktown. Military service will get you a free burger, and if you inform me prior to your arrival, I will buy you a beer...if we can get in the door!

[H2Finally]

ChuckE, thanks so much for visiting and the kind words!

Sorry I was not there tonight to meet you and your wife. Please let me know next time you plan to stop by -- would love to buy you a drink and meet yet another H2 brethen! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Orbital H2]

Finally; I didn't know you could cook!! throw that on top of your off rad ability and no wonder your wife likes you.
I am working in Redondo now and will have to stop by some evening. I went to one of your neighbors a couple of weeks ago for lunch, the Indonesian place, good food also.
when are you opening for lunch?

[H2Finally]

Orbital, I can do a lot, but alas, cooking is NOT one of em... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

But aahh, my lovely LOVELY LOVELY!! wife does! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif (although, the humble angel she is -- she will deny it -- but in truth, she does MORE than simply cook. For every dish we serve, she has to pair flavors to textures, prep times to food stations, vendors selection to food costings... etc, etc -- WWAAYYY above my head!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif -- What a wonderful, smart and beautiful woman I got, huh?!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif)

At Chakra we actually have a few chefs. The head chef, Colin Sako has an outstanding and impressive resume, including a dozen years at Regency Club (an ultra-exclusive private dining club). No idea why he wants to play in our tiny restaurant -- but NOT COMPLAINING!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif (Also have no idea why my wife tolerates me -- but ALSO not complaining either!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

Lunch in a couple of weeks!!

P/S: Glad you like the "neighbor" (the humble 'Banyan'), 'cause that's ours too... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Beastmaster]

You're in one of those businesses that word of mouth is the best advertising out there.

I look forward to stopping by when I'm in your neck of the woods!

[Orbital H2]

Finally:
are you going tothe 2n17x tomorrow? I was trying to figure outmy weekend schedule and might try to make it if I can figure out when and where you guys are meeting.

I am looking forward to checking out your reasturant.

we just stumbled accrost the Banyon and was very impressed, however not spicy enough... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

[H2Finally]

Yes if Jim will post the meet place/time.

Beastmaster, welcome anytime! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif