Strand House Holds Roundhouse Party

Friends and fans of the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium got to experience Manhattan Beach's newest restaurant, The Strand House Tuesday night when restaurateur Michael Zislis hosted a Housewarming Party fundraiser for the facility.

“This is like dreamworld,” said Roundhouse Aquarium Facility Director Eric Martin regarding the people that showed up, numbering in the low hundreds. “Seeing a line to get into this place...my wife and I go 'Oh my gosh—these people are here for the aquarium?'”

They were also there to be among the first to sample hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine in yet another Zislis creation. The Strand House, just a few steps shy of the sand and pier on Manhattan Beach Boulevard, joins the entrepreneur's list of successful establishments: Shade Hotel, Rock'N Fish, Mucho and Manhattan Beach Brewing Company, among others.

At The Strand House, a beautiful ocean view is available on all levels. Architect Larry Drasin of Beverly Hills, who was involved with the restaurant's design, pointed out the innumerable panels of glass and mirrored surfaces, each one purposefully placed to help restaurant-goers maintain a constant view of the ocean—which is visible even when seated in a way that points one away from the sea, thanks to the reflections.

“I just tried to make it look like the ultimate Strand home—everyone wants one, nobody can afford one,” said Zislis.

The dress code? Beach casual.

Those at the housewarming were indeed excited about the food—and the charitable nature of the event.

“We are really excited about a fabulous new restaurant in Manhattan Beach,” said Kristi Reed, adding that she likes to take out-of-town visitors to the Roundhouse, and frequently visits the aquarium herself.

At the end of the day, Martin considers the charm of the petite aquarium to have an impact on the community its diminutive size cannot convey.

“[The draw of the Roundhouse Aquarium can be described] almost like a scene out of a science fiction movie. You see a little building, you open the doors, and it's huge, and filled with knowledge, and filled with excitement—and every single one of these people see that [the Roundhouse is like that],” Martin said.

All proceeds from the event—including not only the $100-a-person tickets, but also silent auction items like a surfboard and Katy Perry concert tickets—go toward the Roundhouse.