Lark#19 + Chef Kyle Powers + Heritage Mercantile Co. | Local Love in East Side Costa Mesa, California

We had an amazing time popping up in East Side Costa Mesa at the locally loved (and vice versa) Heritage Mercantile Co., with a gathering of those who are both adventurous and curious.

While casual introductions were made, we mingled indoors and out, eventually settling at the communal table simply adorned with gorgeous hand made ceramic pots and plates by Andrea Luna Reece (@lunabirdie) and a decorative menu by artist Jeri Vann (@jerivanncreations) that detailed the carefully crafted meal.

We are grateful that the talents of Chef Kyle Powers who not only created a makeshift kitchen, but also presented us with four courses of which is best described as “passion on an a plate”, each one better than the next. As each entree was introduced, Mike Otto of Tolosa Winery thoughtfully poured each glass of wine while sharing the nuances of the blends and pairings.

As the sun slowly set and the lights above became more vibrant, friendships were formed, food was savored, wine was enjoyed, art was discovered, music was played and true connections were made.

Thank you to everyone came together to create such a beautiful evening. Special thanks to Host Jennifer Bloch of Heritage Mercantile Co. and all of our guests for coming on a lark with us!

Xo~l

Established in 2013, Heritage Mercantile Co. is a purveyor of unique, handmade goods. They believe in sustainable products, local makers, timeless design, and USA goods.

Photo credits to @missmphotography

On  lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On  lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On  lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On  lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On  lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.
On lark at Heritage Mercantile June 2016.

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Chef Kyle Powers Creative Crafted Menu
+ Tolosa Wine Pairing Pairing by Mike Otto

Welcome drinks + cheese platter + mingling

Course 1 corn/goat cheese souffle/ toast/ warm olives
Tolosa No Oak Chardonnay

Course 2 treviso/arugula/watercress salad with pine nuts and a blueberry coconut vinaigrette
Tolosa Rose

Course 3 meat trio- skirt steak, pork belly, chicken/cauliflower puree/haricot verts/carrots
Tolosa Pinot Noir

*Veggie Option* falafel /cauliflower puree/haricot verts/carrots
Tolosa Pinot Noir

Course 4 melon ice cream/lavender/kiwi coulis/donut
Spiked coffee

Come on a lark with us! Next lark to be announced soon, follow us on Instagram @letsgoonalark

 

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Lark + Chef Kyle Powers + Molly Wood Garden Design in Costa Mesa, California

On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~ Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~ Summer 2015

8/14/15 Pop-up Dinner Party at Molly Wood Garden Design in Costa Mesa, CA

Our lark with Molly Wood Garden Design brought together a beautiful group of people who enjoyed mingling and dining in their charming and inspirational garden.

The stars aligned perfectly and we were grateful to have Mike Otto hand select wines from Tolosa Winery to match our menu. With their wonderful aromas and great taste, we have found a perfect match.

The common tables were styled with lovely elements from Molly’s garden shop. The graceful hand of Letter Sparrow created a gorgeous menu and hand-made ceramic plates made by artist Andrea Luna Reece took the crostini to new heights.

As a garden spider diligently weaved its intricate web for all to admire, we enjoyed this amazing August menu crafted by Chef Kyle Powers:

upon arrival

sugar snap pea cocktail w/lemon thyme syrup


crostini platter of charred leek and green onions with a goat cheese spread; red beet ricotta puree w/minted herb salad + pistachios; roasted tomato & garden pesto

on the table & paired with hand-select Tolosa wines

shaved summer squash + rainbow carrots w/burrata cheese & spiced walnuts

caramelized pork belly on top of a celery root puree, wilted swiss chard, w/salad of celery & cucumbers on top

*veggie option: caramelized tofu

on top of a celery root puree, wilted swiss chard w/salad of shaved celery & cucumber

grilled stone fruit w/vanilla bean ice cream, fresh whipped cream, macerated berries & mint compote

We are grateful for all who gathered, making this an exceptional summer lark! A heartfelt thanks to our guests and @MollyWoodGardenDesign, @LetterSparrow, @MySaltySoul, @LunaBirdie, @ForkInTheRoadCatering and Miss M Photography for capturing the moment!

And just like that, summer slips into fall.  Next lark October 8, 2015, details to be announced soon. Cheers! xo~l

On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015

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On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015
On a lark at Molly Wood Garden Design ~Summer 2015

 

 

Inspiration (Retrospective). Lou-Lou’s House. Circa 1981.

When I was about 10 years old, I was invited to visit my friend Lou-Lou’s house in Bel Marin Keys.  My schoolmate had never mentioned anything about home and I had no expectations other than to play games, eat candy and watch movies.  As it often happens when visiting someone’s home, her life unfolded as I walked through the doors. I encountered calm and serene house, nothing standing out with the exception of several older sisters coming and going.  To my surprise her mom gave me direct attention and was obviously delighted by our child-adult conversation.  When the opportunity arose, we ventured outside and suddenly all my senses came to life.  Her mom had the most beautiful garden sanctuary I had ever seen.  It was child friendly and we able to tromp wherever we wanted without fear of reprimand.  The wild flowers and plants were intentionally unkempt; it was perfect and welcoming.  Their colors made the most delightful bouquets and changed throughout the day. The wrought iron garden furniture with stripped patterned pillows fit in as if they grew there themselves.   The feeling this Mediterranean garden evoked was so strong, I wanted to root myself to the ground and never leave – and in a way, I never did.   xo~L

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8/30/13 “Discovering Beauty and Inspiration” at Cleobella’s in Sunset Beach, CA

Friday’s lark was held at Cleobella’s 1920’s seaside cottage in Sunset Beach.  We had a balmy, beautiful evening under the stars as we enjoyed wine, conversation and an Ecuadorian inspired menu.   We are thankful for Jim and Angela for opening the doors, sharing their good vibes and joining us at the common table.

Their quaint little boutique offers timeless bohemian pieces from handbags to home décor.  All of Cleobella’s handmade products create sustainable income for artisans in Bali Indonesia and a portion of all profits are donated to Care.org, specifically helping women in South East Asia.  So inspiring!  

Cleobella’s 16792 14th St. Huntington Beach, CA 92649

www.cleobella.com

 

 

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A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach

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A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach
A lark at the beautiful Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach

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