Lark x Travers Residence x Chef Kyle Powers ~ Newport Beach

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

We recently brought all our good vibes together for a “private” pop-up communal dinner. We seldom do private events, but we can be convinced through sheer sincerity and determination ☆

Lark @ Travers Residence
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Newport Beach, CA ☆

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers ☆

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

Chefs whim appetizer accompanied by signature larktails:

Espresso martini

Blood orange + jalapeño spicy margarita 

Strawberry basil margarita 

1/crab + corn chowder, poblano, focaccia toast

Paired w/Penfolds 311 Chardonnay

2/mushroom salad, dandelion greens, pickled fresnos, garlic chips

Paired w/Groth Sauvignon Blanc

3/cioppino (white fish) tomato broth, white beans

Paired w/Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir

4/chocolate, chocolate, chocolate

Paired w/Wilson’s Organic Cold Brew Coffee

Birthday cake by @mcakesweets ☆

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_
Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

Birthday poem by writer Nick Banning ☆

Saturnine sky with long days, long sunsets, long shadows. Summer makes the promise that take off is voluntary, yet landing is required. Is it time to show every sense but common?

The Stars eat from her hand when she lets them. Shall we dance in the sand, hummm our favorite song as the sun greets and the Stars ditch us?  The clouds are like pink Spanish Galleons in the sky waiting to be Plundered


Blossoms on ice, sunflowers as big as the sun, design and elegance envelopes.  Time to slip on velvet slippers or perhaps barefoot shoes and acknowledge the importance of doing nothing.

Beauty surrounds, friends warm the night, glasses of pleasure in your hands
with Gratitude Optimism is Sustainable and with Grateful Acceptance we give the Nod to the Joy of what is around us.

A big THANK YOU to all who came together to make this an evening to remember! ☆

producer Alissa Travers
photos @vacation_media_
florals @ferncottageflorals
chef @mrforky of @forkintheroadcatering
tapas plates @lunareececeramics
stylist Christina Peterson
cake @mcakesweets 
poet Nick Banning

& friends! ☆

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

☆☆☆

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Q & A with Zachery Mundt of Costa Mesa’s event “Jewel Box” known as The Shindy

We are excited to introduce Zack Mundt whose talent + love for design to breathe new life into a storied WWII bungalow in West Side Costa Mesa. You cannot walk into the space without feeling a bolt of celebratory energy & happiness. Everything from the textured wallpaper to the colorful floor tiles is a delight. We love what you have done with the place–and we have so many questions for you! 

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Spearfish, South Dakota and spent most of my time outside in the Black Hills. 

Did you have a love of design as a child? As a child I didn’t really know that design was even a thing. Most everything around me was generally based on function rather than fashion. I definitely had a deep love of building things – tree houses, skateboard ramps, random things made of wood, and always loved the old wood structures – barns, root cellars, etc – that were in the fields behind my house and were left by the homesteaders and other early inhabitants of the area. 

You are close with designers in the commercial/hospitality world, what are some of your favorite projects? Oh my – there are so many
 My favorite place to go and stay and eat is the Chiltern Firehouse in London. The hotel itself is absolutely gorgeous. They have this amazing balance of true, rich, luxury in their finishes and fixtures, and there are a ton of plants and flowers that really balance it out and make it feel welcoming and calming. The service is absolutely top notch, which is vital for a complete experience.  I’m working on the Magnolia Hotel in Waco TX right now and am so excited!! This one is more about bragging rights with my family 🙂  Everyone loves Chip and Joanna and this one gives me a little street cred since a lot of what we do in my world is unknown to the average person. 

What is it that catches your eye (or heart) about a product/design element? When something is absolutely beautiful, or unique, or completely strange and eye catching, but still functions perfectly for a particular purpose – I love that. I also love multi-colored stripes
 I cant wear them, and they don’t usually fit in our home etc, but I just love it visually – definitely brings me joy. 

What led you to create The Shindy? During the pandemic, our wonderful neighbor restaurant, Trenta, expanded into the parking lot in front of our office space. People kept looking in and then some started asking if they could rent it out for a party. At first we said no, but then, Leilah, my wife and partner in The Shindy, pitched the idea that we hire a designer and create a small, beautifully curated, event space. We then sourced as much as we could from manufacturers that I represent so I can use the space for design meetings, presentations, etc as well. 

We know some of your favorite restaurants are Bavel and Bestia? Do you feel they may have informed the look/feel of The Shindy—in what way? The look of Bavel and Bestia are entirely their own and The Shindy is in quite a different direction. Something that is certainly reminiscent of those amazing establishments is the care and detail in how they present their product to the world. When you’re there you can feel that it is absolutely necessary that each bite is just right, and we strive to provide that with the experience we provide at The Shindy. 

Are you the chef at home? We’re actually a home full of home chefs!! Leilah, Willa (our 12 year old) and I all love to cook and create and eat delicious things. That said, I do quite a bit of the cooking. It is a time for me to decompress and unwind at the end of the day, or a great cathartic project to create something larger on a weekend.  I truly love the detail of cutting each ingredient to a specific size or shape so that each cooks to a specific texture or flavor or doneness – and when those pieces come together as a whole – it is truly magical. 

What is your most memorable meal–one you made or one you’ve had? Leilah and I went to Alinea in Chicago for our anniversary one year and it was absolutely incredible. Each dish is generally one bite, sometimes a couple, and truly mind blowing. The flavors and textures they create is unbelievable and the beauty of each is stunning. Each plate, eating utensil, etc is made specifically for that dish. It is like a gorgeous, miniature food circus, with the most amazing service. 

What is your most prized design element? I don’t know that I’ve got one yet
.I more value my kitchen tools – my cast iron pans, my knives and kitchen shears, the tortilla press, things I use daily. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness for me would be a small farm with enough land to grow most of the food and livestock we eat, a beautiful farm house with two amazing kitchens – one indoor and one outdoor – and enough money to hire great people to help make sure it all runs smoothly. 

What is your greatest extravagance? Food – definitely. We love to go out to a great restaurant and truly enjoy it. 

If you could change one thing about how people enjoy food or design spaces, what would it be? I do think people could respect the places they’re in and the people who are working hard to provide them with a good experience. 

What do you most value about The Shindy and how to see its future? I love that The Shindy is used for people to get together – be it for a dinner, a baby or wedding shower, a graduation, a birthday – I love being around my friends and family and get recharged by doing so. I love it that we are able to provide a place for people to to just that. 

Who/What inspires you? Leilah and Willa inspire me daily. I’m inspired by almost anyone who decides they want something and then goes after it. Life is tough and sometimes it’s a challenge to get up and go but you’ve got to do it and you feel better once you get going. There’s beauty everywhere – I definitely take tiny moments and use them to inspire me, a hummingbird in the back yard in the morning, flowers in yard when we get in the car, laughing with my daughter on the way to school, a smile from another parent as we pull out of the parking lot
 I tend to look for little moments of joy and keep them within to help through the day. 

What is your motto? “Keep swimming!”  Once again, it truly is all about the people you meet along the way!

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Friday, June 16, 2023 6:30pm-9:30pm
$178. per person, all-inclusive
four course meal + wine pairing by
the talented Chef Kyle Powers + Sous Chef Bryan Barnes⚡️.

The Shindy
1663 Superior Avenue, Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(17th x Superior)

Purchase Tickets:

Let’s Go On A Lark!

Open invite. Limited seats.

Q & A with Cyndi Turk of Devynn’s Garden – Seal Beach, CA

We love that Cyndi Turk and her husband David Turk created amazing floral shops, including retail + event spaces, known as Devynn’s Garden that support the local community and beyond.

David + Cyndi Turk on a super fun (& delicious) lark w/Chef Kyle Powers. Photo credit: Candace Rock

It’s the best feeling to walk into any one of their three locations and immediately feel relaxed and inspired. Join us on a dive below the surface with this fun Q & A:

Q. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Hacienda Heights and my husband and business partner is David grew up in Whittier, CA. We met when I was 20 and he was 26. 

Q. Do you have any childhood memories around plants/flowers that tie in to your grown up life?

A flower that I remember seeing in my grandmother’s home were gladiolus. She was Mexican and that is a very traditional flower. But, my husband introduced of flowers to me. 

Q. You named you business after your first born daughter, what is her favorite flower?

Our daughter is now 29 and she lives in Venice, CA. and her favorite flower is peony and coincidentally she loves gladiolus too!

Q. We know you are close with flower growers, what is your most memorable flower market experience?

I remember one time I saw rolling hills of pincushion proteas bushes in San Diego and I was fascinated. I tried growing a bush for myself in my home. I had no luck. I will keep trying.

Q. It’s amazing how flowers are almost considered essential at the dinner table, what are your go-to?

I love simple elegance, nothing too bold. My go-to’s are cymbidiums tropical foliage and all proteas.

Q. You have a well curated retail offering, what is it that catches your eye (or heart) about a product?

I spend more time in my stores than I sometimes do in my home. I trust that if I love what I purchase for the retail store that others will share and enjoy my choices.  

Q. What should we be reading? 

Right now I am reading Jay Shetty’s new book 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go: I am diving into a time in my life of trying to be present and be grateful for all the little & big things in my life. He is really speaking to me right now. 

Q. Are you the chef in the family? 

I am the wannabe “chef” in my family. I try and I really do enjoy it. I do know that my husband and kids are very kind and will never tell me they don’t like my cooking. 

Q. What is your most memorable meal (one you made or one you’ve had)?

I made this roasted chicken with my now deceased FAVORITE Aunt Mary. It has rosemary, garlic, cream cheese, red grapes and other herbs. It quickly became my family favorite and now I make it with Turkey instead of chicken on Thanksgiving! It was so delicious. One of my daughters now tells me “if I don’t make the garlic turkey it is not Thanksgiving.”

Q. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I hope to continue to learn and grow closer to my husband, my four amazing children, my parents and my friends.

Q. What is your greatest extravagance? 

My greatest extravagance is food. I love trying new restaurants. I will probably spend my last dollar on good food. 

Q. What do you find yourself saying when people ask what it’s like have your own business?

You need to have self motivation and grit. There will be days that you have self doubt but if you love what you do, you can’t see yourself doing anything else. Trust your vision and stay on YOUR path.

Q. What is your current state of mind?

I have always happily put everyone first and now I am consciously trying to adapt and make myself a priority when I get up.

Q. If you could change one thing about how people enjoy about flowers, what would it be?

One thing people say to me is “I don’t like to buy flowers because they die’’, but enjoying beautiful flowers is like enjoying an incredible meal. It is instant gratification. It is not meant to last, but the memory of a beautiful floral design or meal lasts forever.  

Q. What words or phrases to you overuse? 

There is a reason for everything. I believe it so much that I named my daughter Reezyn.

Q. What is one thing people most often don’t realize about the floral industry?

The labor that goes into a floral shop is massive and you have to rely on so many people to execute their job with care  People always tell me ” it must be great to come to work and play with flowers” Yes, we get to create and play with flowers, but they needs to go through 5 peoples hands before they get to mine.

Q. What makes you feel the most alive?

Right now I am in a place of reflection and gratitude. I did start rowing and I very much enjoying it and I have 3 adorable dogs that have won me over. 

Q. What is your motto?

1-Don’t try to fit a square into a circle.
2-Water your own grass.
3-Treat invitations as gifts from people, not obligation. Say yes as often as you can!  

Q+A with Laura of Laura Brophy Interiors in Newport Beach, California

Laura Brophy captured by @missymphotography at her studio in Newport Beach.

We are thrilled to set our 55th communal table at Laura Brophy Interiorsin Newport Beach on Friday 9/10/21 with the talented Chef Kyle Powers. We love her energy, eye for design and enthusiasm–and that she is always up for an adventure. Although our lark communal dinner has sold out, we invite you to come along with this brief dive “below-the-surface” into her beautiful world of design.


Q. Where do you call home? 
I reside in Southern California, but home to me is wherever I have family and right now we have an opportunity to be nomads,o  I feel like that could be anywhere. 


Q. When did you decide to open your own business? What factors came into play?
Oh gawd, that is a loaded question. Come to dinner and I’ll tell you about it. But really, I eventually got “over the fear” and just went for it. It is the best decision I ever made. 


Q. Is your interior style influenced by anyone…any heroes out there?I am constantly inspired by fashion and feel that this influence of design can play anywhere, even in interiors. Kelly Wearstler is a great example of funky and cool, constantly translating her fashion aesthetic into the homes she designs. 


Q. By the local businesses in your area, your studio location straddles both the old and new in creative conquests. How does this influence or inspire your work (or day)?Being connected to TToes on the Noseis a dream situation. Love their vintage fashion vibe and would love to see this play into the California home lifestyle. 


Q. The mood in your studio is so positive, do you a have work style/management philosophy? I like people to thrive at what they are great at. We have a group of people whose individual skills all contribute to a group effort and that makes all the difference. 


Q. We know your taste + love for beauty and style is expansive, has the world of design always been a part of your life?Yes, growing up I went to fashions shows with my parents and they also exposed me to Interior Designers. I got an early view of the creative process and became inspired. 


Q. What is your favorite question to ask a potential client? How creative can we get on this project? 


Q. What three things do you love about being a Interior Designer?

  1. How personal this business is… working on homes, you become intimately involved in a client’s life..
  2. I really enjoy being able to source things and meet really interesting people.
  3. I get to do what I love. I consider it a gift knowing not everyone finds what they are passionate about.

Q. Can you share a bit about The Next Layer? Yes, it’s something we offer our clients and it’s a great way to transform a home quickly and make a space look personal without doing a huge remodel. 


Q. We always ask our chefs about culinary school–– is design school necessary? Yes, just to gain confidence and extra knowledge. Honing in on portion and scale AND the why behind things is an important aspect when designing a home.  Once you have a solid understanding of design, well, that is when you can break the rules. 


Q. Who or what currently inspires you?Instagram, there are so many amazing great amazing people on there. You can connect with people you admire easily. 


Q. What is your favorite culinary pleasure?Chef Kyle’s food! Going on larks! I like interesting experiences — things that are different.

 
Q. How did you hear about lark? I heard about it from Lisa on “the downlow” while we were both working in similar industries…. I followed her on Instagram for year before I made the leap and fell in love.


Q. We have collaborated on many occasions, want to share a quick, fun story about lark?  Well….there was this one occasion when Lisa almost got swept away by the ocean. It was a guerrilla lark in Corona Del Mar and it was absolutely the hardest set up and breakdown…we scaled our tables, chairs and food over craggily rocks to arrive at our perfect location. We dined with our feet in the water. It was so different and so fun!

Super fun times on. guerrilla lark in Corona Del Mar. Image captured by The Delauras.

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

New dates to be announced soon!

Lark x Casa Van Daele x Chef Kyle Powers | Corona del Mar, California

Our last gathering of 2019 found us in a bundle of good energy as we came together to for a “private” pop-up communal dinner. We seldom do private events, but we can be convinced through a strong sense of sheer sincerity and determination. We are thankful to have this opportunity to do what we love…pulling together all the elements of a great dinner party!

The talented Chef Kyle Powers crafted a delicious four course meal (see the gorgeous hand illustrated menu below). Photographer, foodie and former bartender, Mitch Maher captured the evening while simultaneous slinging delicious “Bohemia Mama” signature cocktails to honor the birthday gal. Tyler Rodriguez poured his knowledge and love of wine while Daniel Perlof, Kailee Walters and Kim Johnson kept everything rolling. Our favorite jewel toned dried botanicals adorned the communal table alongside by bundles of fragrant sage to mark new beginnings.

Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers

A big THANK YOU to all the Van Daele’s and all the beautiful people who came together to make this an evening to remember.

@mb.maher, @forkintheroadcatering, @winc, @lunareececeramics, @kaileeinthekitchen, @dperlof, @mymiddlenameisstarr, @mat3.photography, @frenchbuckets, @kimleej, @bodylanguageyoga and @catherinerising

Lark x Urban Americana x Chef Kyle Powers |The Dream Is Real in Long Beach, California

Friday, September 13, 2019

The moment before the guest arrive. Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!

We started our late summer adventures at our favorite designer playground known as Urban Americana in Long Beach. Having popped-up at this unique location before, we knew we were in for a special evening. You cannot take a step inside this gorgeous vintage warehouse without being inspired by the timeless style of the past, while simultaneously dreaming of the future. This gentle pull + push lands you in a rare space we like to call the present moment.

It is such an honor to have Chris Geer, owner + creator of our favorite designer playground Urban Americana, embrace lark and open the doors to our curious & adventurous guests — and even more so to have him an his wife join us at the communal table.

Chris Geer (Urban Americana) + Lisa Martinez (Lark) on a lark at the super hip Urban Americana in Long Beach!

We spent the evening doing what we do best, creating good vibes, acquainting with friends old and new, delving into interesting conversations and sharing delicious food.

Stylist @maysonhauck always sets the good vibes! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach

Our guests, ranging from designers to deep sea explorers to culinary lovers took to the lark with ease embracing the connections that come so naturally when immersed in such an inspirational setting. 

Guest mingle amongst the cool mid-century + antique vibes of Urban Americana. Image captured by foodie, photographer + conversationalist: @mb.maher

Manuel, of Manuel The Band, kicked off the evening playing acoustic guitar and singing Casual Love while we mingled about sipping on  local / vegan / sustainable 2017 Finke’s Sparkling White Blend hand selected by Billy O’Connell of @winc and poured with love by wine aficionado (+ yoga enthusiast) Tyler Rodriguez.

This is our seriously talented friend Manuel. He is in the band. @manueltheband check them out!

Chef Kyle Powers & Sous Chef Nelson Johnson created the most awesome looking makeshift kitchen from Urban Americana’s beautifully weathered industrial work bench sending the the first smells of crispy garlic + fried mushrooms into the air with innate and palpable enthusiasm.

Chef Kyle Powers + Nelson Johnson rocking the Makeshift Kitchen, California Style, at Urban Americana!
Welcome to the prep! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
Guest settle in for an evening of food, wine & conversation.Image captured by @mb.maher at Urban Americana in Long Beach!

As this was lark #50, we took a moment to share-and be thankful for-our collaborative approach where we work should-to-shoulder to create these larks and all of the fulfillment that has come from doing what we love, especially the idea of recognizing and appreciating each other, our supporters, and the moment. 

Tyler Rodriguez, Lisa Martinez, Kailee Walters, Daniel Perlof, Nelson Trey and Kyle Powers–on a lark!
Steamed clams in dashi: crispy garlic. seaweed. watermelon radish. fried mushrooms compliments of Chef Kyle Powers.
Tyler Rodriguez captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
Steamed clams in dashi: crispy garlic. seaweed. watermelon radish. fried mushrooms compliments of Chef Kyle Powers!
Daniel Perlof on prep! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
Because we are in this together! Super fun times on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach. Image captured by @mb.maher
Fried reed avocado: crab. fried herbs. lemon chili aioli compliments of Chef Kyle Powers. So good!
@kaileeinthekitchen captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
Super grateful to all the “yes” people in the room! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach

How fortunate we feel to having our favorite foodie + conversationalist Mitch Maher capture the evening and to be accompanied by the endless talents of: Jack-of-all-Trades Daniel Perlof, Stylist Mayson Hauck, Ceramicist Andrea Luna Reece and Food Blogger Kailee in the Kitchen

A little “bluffer” –2018 The Bluffer ValdiguiĂ©–from our friends @winc thoroughly enjoyed on a lark at Urban Americana.
Beef tenderloin + beets: golden berry. golden beet. shish leaves / strawberry. red beet. Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach

A surprise (thanks Kyle!) awaits on the tail end of our lark, when Rita Pham of mcakesweets showcased her amazing talents in creating the most beautiful & best tasting desserts including a gorgeous Earl Grey Cake making this occasion extra sweet. 

Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
@mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a super fun (50th!) lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
@mcakesweets, Chef Kyle Powers + Nelson Johnson roll into our”50th” lark pop-up communal dinner party!
Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us! 

……More?

As we are always on a lark
here’s a few {personal} moments to share:

Clam-less in Long Beach

Unfortunately the adventure was too much for one little clam (he didn’t make the lark). Soon I discovered that all the elements of this dish, clam excluded, were over-the-top satisfying. 

Lark Therapy 

I was well into a conversation, dabbling into bits of my history (military brat, late bloomer, endlessly curious), when I learned I was speaking with a professional therapist. I feel better already! 

Why Do I Feel Happy

A gentleman on a lark leaned over and said, I feel happier than I have in a long time and I don’t know why. We all chimed in on the endless benefits of social dining.

Hot Yoga

As a universal rule, we only lark in extreme weather and this smoking hot evening was no exception. We laughed at how the high humidity made our “purposeful work” (set up + breakdown) feel more like hot yoga!

Lark x TReSs Apothecary x Chef Kyle Powers | Popping Up in Newport Beach, California

Friday, June 21, 2019

Vibrant is the best word to describe our evening of filled with conversation, delicious food & wine set amongst the hip + minimalistic vibes of @tressapothercary of Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. The feeling inside this gorgeous space gave everyone just enough room to be themselves.

Here we made new friends, gazed at the bay, took in the cool salty air and sat fireside to enjoy a most delicious menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers.

We cannot think of a better way to welcome the first day of summer and we are super grateful to all the beautiful people who came together–and all the lovely conversations that were had– to make this a lark to remember.

+ + + + +

Menu + Wine Pairing crafted by Chef Kyle Powers

Opening: w/cheese board + sparkling cocktail

Seated: 1/burrata w/mandarin oranges, sweet green olives, fruity olive oil, cherries, lemon rosemary toast
.paired with rosĂ© 

2/shrimp + crab cake w/avocado mousse + black garlic vinaigrette
.paired with viognier

3/smoked New York steak, cherry balsamic, potato, fennel, mushrooms * veggie option: vegan meatloaf, cherry balsamic, potato, fennel, mushrooms
.paired with merlot

4/cookies + milk + chefs whim surprise
paired with organic cold brew coffee

+ + + + +

Images captured by the effervescent @kathryncolbyphotograhy

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Tera Stephens + Lisa Martinez on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Ocean air + bay views enjoyed on a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Menu designed by artist @WesleyBird for a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
@FrenchBuckects rocks the florals on a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!

Our larks are always an “open invite” meaning if you hear about a lark – you are invited!

Next lark will be Thursday 7/25/19 w/Chef Kyle Powers at The Soul Project in Laguna Beach, be sure to check our landing page for updates!: Lark Artisan Market.

Q+A with Tera Stephens Owner of TReSs Apothecary | Rocking the Vibe in Newport Beach, California

Because it’s always about the people you meet along the way! Meet the inspirational Tera Stephens, Founder of TReSs Apothecary in Lido Marina Village, who has graciously open the doors to her vibrant-yet minimalist-shop to lark! Pull up a chair, we invite you to come along through our fun questions & answer session!

Tera Stephens, Founder of TReSs Apothecary

Q. Where do you call home?

A. I’ve lived in Huntington Beach for my whole life!!

Q. When did you decide to open your own business? What factors came into play?  

A. I opened TReSs after working as a stylist for 17 years.  For the last few years I had this growing feeling that my clients deserved and would appreciate a greater attention to detail that was missing in most salons and that led me to opening my own!

Q. Was the minimalist vibe what you had in mind OR did this come about organically?  

A. I have a very busy brain so keeping my space minimal is key to keeping my anxiety low!  I started a Pinterest board that I shared with my architect and we worked together in creating the vibe of the space.

Q. We noticed the fireplaces in the shop…do you know the history of the space? Was it once someone’s home?

A. Lido Marina Village was built in the 40’s and were originally custom homes.  In the late 60’s or early 70’s they began to convert to retail, office and restaurant.  We were the first lease signed under the new development of LMV and were lucky to keep our fireplace.  I believe we have the only working, original fireplaces in the Village!

Q. The vibe in the shop is so positive, do you a work style/management philosophy?

A. ABSOLUTELY!!!  I believe in treating our team like family and that has created a culture of mutual respect and care for each other.  The benefit of our culture is that our clients feel the good vibes and that makes them love to hang out with us!  It’s all good for business!

Q. We know your taste + love for beauty and style is expansive, have you always played in this arena?

A. I have loved beautiful things since I was a little girl!  Some of my favorite possessions were handmade original garments from my grandmas and aunts who sewed and crocheted!

Q. What is your favorite food experience?  

A. I’ll never forget my husband and I celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary at the French Laundry.  It was a bit of a stretch financially at the time but something I had dreamt of for as long as I could remember.  It felt a bit old and stuffy for us at first, we were babies, but our server found our rhythm and every dish was spectacular.  Our dinner lasted over 5 hours!!!

Q. What is your favorite question to ask someone?

A. What was the best thing that happened to you today?  My kids know I will ask them every single day!!!

Q. What does Summer Solstice mean to you?  

A. Summer has always meant freedom for me and the Solstice, being the longest day of the year, is the kick off to my favorite season!

 Q. Who or what currently inspires you?  

A. My team at the salon inspire me; they are fun, talented, fresh, innovative, smart and adorable.  They make me want to work hard for them!

TReSs Apothecary at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach

What to know and see more? Join us Friday 6/21/19 to welcome the first day of summer with cocktails + mingling leading up to a delicious chef crafted four course meal & wine pairing
all while partaking in the rediscovered art of conversation, tickets and details available on our landing page: www.larkartisanmarket.com

Lark x McGee&Co x Chef Kyle Powers | Pop-Up East Side Costa Mesa, California

Radiating good vibes on a lark at the design haven of @mcgee&co in East Side Costa Mesa!

On Thursday, May 30, 2019 we enjoyed a most gregarious lark at the design haven of @mcgeeandco in East Side Costa Mesa! Here gathered around the communal table to disconnect + reconnect over a chef crafted meal, delicious wine & the subtle art of conversation.

Food, wine & conversation enjoyed on a super fun lark at @mcgeeandco in East Side Costa Mesa!

The Master of Makeshift, Chef Kyle Powers, rocked the menu once again – and the McGee gals came through with some serious style.

We are super thankful to all the beautiful people who came together to create such a memorable & adventurous evening @mcgee&co @mrforky @forkintheroadcatering @theurbanspring @lunareececeramics @emweber @dperlof @kaileeinthekitchen @mb.maher @amenahdesigns + @theflowerstand.

Our next lark finds us greeting the first day of summer, Friday 6/21/19, by taking in salty air + beautiful surroundings at the gorgeous waterfront retreat of @tressapothecary in Newport Beach.

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

Asparagus curry, naan croutons with yogurt thoroughly enjoyed on a super fun lark at @mcgeeandco in East Side Costa Mesa!
Image captured on a super fun lark at @mcgeeandco in East Side Costa Mesa!

Image credit to photographer, foodie, conversationalist: MB.Maher.com

Q+A with Kindred Boutique’s Owner Isabella Davidson | Fashion Inspiration from San Clemente, California

Because, when on a lark, fashion +food go hand in hand. We are thrilled to share this bit of Q+A with the inspiring Isabella Davidson, owner of Kindred Boutique in the seaside town of San Clemente; where we will kick off lark #46 with delicious food, wine & conversation on Friday 5/3/19!

Isabella Davidson of Kindred Boutique in San Clemente

Q. What is your idea of a perfect outfit? 

A. The perfect outfit is something you are comfortable and confident in. 

Q. What, when outfitting oneself, do people consistently overlook? 

A. Having fun with it!!! Your outfit reflects your personality, so let it shine!

Q. Fashion school or apprenticeship? 

A. I believe education is important, but being coachable and having experience is more valuable. 

Q. Do you cook? 

A. I LOVE cooking, it’s therapeutic for me and allows me to disconnect  and turn my mind off.

Q. What is your favorite food? 

A. Pizza is my weakness, but i also love anything spicy.

Q. What is your most memorable dining experience?

A. My most memorable dining experience are my family trips to Mexico. Sharing laughs and delicious  food together will always be some of my favorite memories.

Q. If you could dine with anyone dead or alive, who would that be and what would you wear? 

A. Anthony Bourdain hands down. I would wear something loose and comfortable because we would be drinking and eating until we were sick.

Q. Which talent would you most like to have? 

A. I wish I could communicate with “spirits” or that I was a backup dancer.

Q. What question do you love to ask people? 

A. Where’s your next travel destination?

Q. What is your most marked characteristic? 

A. I’m bitesize.

Q. Who or what currently inspires you? 

A. My business inspires and encourages me to always give my best, and pushes me to do things even if they make me uncomfortable.

Q. What is your motto? 

A.”You are the carrier of the light inside of you” & “If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.”