Chakra Cuisine   

Orange County's sex appeal and It factor continue to rise with the addition of yet another sizzling-hot (and just a bit over-the-top) themed nightspot. Unlike many of its contemporaries, particularly the similarly named Sutra, Chakra isn't all over the map when it comes to food. Focusing on Indian cuisine, the kitchen merges the mild, creamy preparations of the north with the spiciness of the south, with the chef plumbing deep into recipe troves to re-discover long-forgotten dishes and obscure regional specialties. As far as nightlife goes, the management seems to be sticking with the formula that's worked for other establishments recently: Gorgeous, sensual decor; mood lighting that ventures into the realm of special effects; a bar stocked with top-shelf spirits, and a convenient suburban shopping center location. Depending where you sit, you might feel like you're in a maharaja's summer palace, on a tropical island resort, or an extra on a film set. The mouthwatering aromas of tandoori and curry mingle with wafts of orange blossom and designer perfume. Afterhours on weekends, DJs spin everything from worldbeat to house and hip-hop while Southern California's finest mix it up on the makeshift dancefloor. The Seven Chakratinis: Along with creating cuisine to appease the mind, body and spirit, Chakra boasts a colorful cocktail for each of the body's seven chakras, or spiritual centers. You can imbibe each ribbon of the rainbow by ordering a flight of shots, if you like, to cover your all your vibrational bases. Saharsa (indigo): Chambord, vodka, sweet-and-sour and grape juice. Ajna (purple): Malibu, peach Schnapps, blue curacao, grenadine and pineapple juice. Vissu (blue): Skyy berry vodka, blue curacao and lemonade with a sugar rim. Anaha (green): Creme de cocoa, creme de menthe and vodka with a chocolate rim. Mani (yellow): Anejo tequila, cointreau, sweet-and-sour and orange juice. Svadhi (orange): Skyy berry vodka, mango lassi and sweet-and-sour. Mula (red): Jagermeister, amaretto, Southern Comfort, orange juice and cranberry juice.