Esther's Place—A Hidden Treasure

NOTE: THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED!

By Chris MacDonald

Esther Kim is one of California's most intriguing women. The 19-year owner of Esther's Place—a very popular gathering spot for people who enjoy nutritious food and a fun environment—is part psychologist, part ballet dancer, part motivator, part chef and one of The Golden State's” top fashion plates.

She's like Vanna White, wearing a different, elegant outfit every day. Some customers come to see just what she's wearing and where it came from. Others tell her about issues in their lives, which she patiently listens too. Most come for the delicious food. One critic said, Her sandwiches, made from organic veggies, are better than anything mom ever packed for lunch.”

The one thing that strikes you about Esther is that she‘s ALWAYS UP, even in an often down world. Customers walk through the door--immersed in the often stressful, chaotic, high speed, urban life—and experience peace, tranquility and the ever-smiling South Korean-born small business owner, with her two equally pleasant and pleasing assistants, Eunice Kim and Leticia Arroyo.

There's a tranquil buzz at Esther's, among the customers and among folks on both sides of the counter. Strangers, who walk in for the first time are surprised at the camaraderie, and become fast friends. And Esther not only remembers their names but what they ordered. Yvette DeJesus, who eats there 3 times a week, is amazed at the tasty, healthy food and the excellent customer service. It's a very healthy place to eat and no matter what type of day you're having, you always leave Esther's happier,” said the retired nurse. She has such a good sense of humor and she's totally customer-focused.”

She's not only beautiful but remembers everything about you and is so friendly,” said Dawnette Lowry, owner of Aqua Tone Fitness. I regularly refer people to her place.”

A lot of people come in for her truly remarkable soups. We use fresh, healthy ingredients and natural seasoning to produce our soups of the day,” Esther explained. Tomato-Monday, Barley-Tuesday, Split Pea-Wednesday (and Saturday), Minestrone-Thursday and Noodle-Friday.

Her number one best-selling item is Esther's Combo—ground chicken, lightly-seasoned in a soy-lemon sauce with sesame seeds and cilantro. A fine blend of brown rice, barley and garbanzo beans topped with a special dressing of ginger, soy and lemon. A tasty, tangy side of Chinese Salad. You can order it with a tuna option or go vegetarian with tofu or soy turkey. Everything is made fresh daily with no additives, she said.

Esther's mom was a nurse, who taught her the importance of eating healthy. She, too, wanted to become a nurse but when the high schooler helped her father operate a food business in Philadelphia, Esther loved working with food and people. And she always loved music—a subject near and dear to her kids. Even though she migrated West with her family, her son, Joshua, ended up graduating from Juilliard in piano and her daughter, Melody, earned a Master's Degree in piano from the Manhattan School of Music. Both live and work in New York.

Stop by and see for yourself why Esther's Place is such a big hit. It's located inside the Natural Tonic Center at 6789 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach (next to the US Post Office) and is open from 10-4, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays. 714-841-4266.