Friday, February 22, 2019–We were thrilled to lark with husband & wife team Cecilia + Bryce Cole, co-founders of the locally loved Coast Modern in Seal Beach, whose highly intentional lives project the high impact of their design experience from graphics to textiles to architecture.
We are thankful to all our friends, old and new, who came a little closer to share an an amazing chef crafted meal, wine pairing & conversation! The warmth of the space filled our bellies and our hearts.
Meet husband and wife Cecilia + Bryce Cole, co-founders of the locally loved Coast Modern in Seal Beach, whose highly intentional lives project the high impact of their design experience from graphics to textiles to architecture.
Q.. How do you know each other?
A. We met while Bryce was designing a menâs clothing line and I worked for the agent who was handling the manufacturing.
Q. What is good design to you?
A. Good design is pleasing to the eye, functions well while being simple and in some cases elevates your consciousness.
Q. What is better living to you?
A. Everyday of our life we are dependent on products, systems and structures that were designed and created by someone, those designs when good, make our life better, good design can improve the quality of our life, that is why we say âGood design for better livingâ.
Q. Why the name Coast Modern?
A. We both love architecture, we would go to architectural tours often and even lent our home for one many years ago. We also had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Julius Shulman a few times and saw many architectural documentaries, Coast Modern is one of them and we thought the name made sense being two blocks from the beach and represented our passion for mid century art, architecture and design.
A. Our first date. We went for a drink while waiting for a table and realized more than an hour later that we had forgotten we were waiting for a table or that we were hungry. We have been together ever since.
Q. What is your most prized possession?
A. We are grateful for our home and the furniture we have been able to collect. Yet, the memories of our time together, traveling, doing home projects while listening to music, watching our son grow up and turn into an adult we are very proud of. Those memories and the time we get to spend together and with the people we love are priceless.
Q. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A. Traveling.
Q. What is your greatest extravagance?
A. I think for myself (Cecilia) my extravagance is shopping at the Farmerâs Market in Orange, the kombucha bread is phenomenal, though not economical and the cheese is addictive, the celery looks like a flower arrangement and the rest of the fresh produce are just as lovely. Bryce seems to never have enough mechanical pencils and notebooks.
Q. If you could change one thing about how people approach design what would it be?
A. âClear accounts, long friendshipsâ though, Bryce says I use the âFâ word the most, ha ha ha !!
Q. What do you hope to accomplish in life?
A. Be of contribution to others and if we can make a difference in the world, it will make us very happy.
Q. What is your motto?
A. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself too.
We are thrilled to have Coast Modern open their doors to our next communal dinner party with the talented Chef Kyle Powers!
Their Mid-Century Modern vibe at their Coast Modern home is intimate, well curated, and with its smart use-of -space, warmly reminds us of our favorite meals enjoyed in the cozy restaurants of Japan.
Join us as we gather to partake in cocktails and mingling leading up to a chef crafted menu + wine pairing….. all while enjoying {the rediscovered art} of conversation.
Come on a lark with us on Friday February 22, 2019! Tickets $125 per person includes good vibes, four course meal + wine pairing curated by Chef Kyle Powers.
Our return to the DTLA loft of Lawrence Fodor was warm and welcoming thanks to the generosity of the artist in residence and the gorgeous people who gathered at our communal table.
We loved sharing with our guests how this talented artist recreates allegorical masterpieces from the past and transforms them into gorgeous relevant abstract visual paintings that translates to the modern world.
Chef Kyle Powers put all his good energy into a phenomenal menu – it helps to have an actual kitchen!
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MENU by Chef Kyle Powers:
1/buzz button tea 2/split pea soup w/langostino mouse, smoked ham + korean pancake 3/Beef carpaccio salad w/avocado-cauliflower puree + caper berries 4/Braised black cod, crispy black rice, kimchi tomato sauce, pickled fennel chutney 5/coffee flour pancake, whipped chocolate maple butter, salted pumpkin seed brittle
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We are grateful to have Wine Aficionado Tyler Rodriguez helping with plate + pour to keep all the good vibes flowing.
We also are thankful Alex Samples help us rock the entire event from gates to freight elevators to plates in/out and final wrap – in this stunning outfit.
Special thanks to: @lunareececeramics, @frenchbuckets, @hartleycashhaus, @theurbanspring, @bodylanguageyoga, @thestorytellerstudio. Photo credit goes to Mitch Maher of MBMaher.com who is also our favorite conversationalist. Create + Collaborate + Elevate
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.
Next lark Thursday 11/15/18 at The Hangout on 4th Street’s “Retro Row” in Long Beach. Grab your curious + adventurous friends and come on a lark with us!
Hard to believe we are on lark #41! We started on “a dollar and a dream”, looking to combine what we loved professionally (producing) with what we love personally (people, food, wine & design). It’s been a fun and fulfilling adventure and our favorite part is being able to share it with you!
We discovered this diamond in the rough and immediately fell in love. Thankful to shortly thereafter, and coincidentally, make the acquaintance of local + clearly talented designer Mindy Gayer who envisioned and created this amazing space with her dreamer + doer business partner Kayla Adams and their joint venture of the gorgeous Balinese furnishings of Hati Hati Home.
In scouting the space, we had a ton of ideas on how and when to create and collaborate on a lark – and we were quick to adapt when timelines and locations changed. We were so happy that we landed on the original vision of seeing a communal table through the gorgeous large windows of their cool + modern farmhouse-esque building.With the warm lightening, it was a beautiful and welcoming sight.
We are thankful for all the beautiful people who gathered in this intimate and inspirational space to enjoy the company of friends and family, enjoy amazing food and partake in the rediscovered art of conversation.
Thrilled to be featured in Orange Coast Magazine’s “Hidden” Issue (Oct. 2018) . Here’s the story behind the image, if you want to know more, you’ll have to come on a lark with us!
Last winter we were fortunate to dine with friends â old and new â soaking up the hip vibes at the beautifully understated and modern aesthetic of Isles Interiors in Newport Beach while enjoying conversation between spoonfuls of piping hot Mortadella + Lobster Chowder.
The timely cold weather transported us home to simpler times. Thanks to all who gathered at the communal table to make this an evening to remember including @lunareececeramics + @theurbanspring. Special thanks to Maria & Max Isles.
We had the most amazing time setting our communal table at the ultra hip designer playground Urban Americana  in East Long Beach. The space is so inviting and inspirational… to walk through the warehouse listening to music and taking in beautiful elements of design was magical. Add friends (old and new), great conversation, delicious food and wine pairing (thanks Chef Kyle Powers, Tyler Rodriguez & crew!), a touch of style…. ah, well, there you have lark!
Thanks to all the beautiful people who who came together to make this night possible.
1. pistachio + Â cashew apple butter toast
2. heirloom tomato salad basil oil tomato water basil flowers burrata grey salt.
3. brussel sprout tortelli, black garlic dust, crispy mortadella * sub king mushroom for vegan *
4. smoked then fried duck, sage waffle, luxardo cherry sauce, green onion tahini puree. Â *vegan option: sesame and macadamia crusted tempah, fried rainbow cauliflower, green onion tahini*
5. peach tea whiskey (by stillhouse) infused strawberries, smoked cream, sable cookie, brulee figs.
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Organic. Modern. Inspirational.
Lark inspired by Chris Greer, owner of Urban Americana / Images captured by the lovely and talented @taliadecoite / Hand-made ceramics by our favorite artisan Andrea of @lunareececeramics / Wine Aficionado Tyler Rodriguez / Fashion inspired by @stylingbyjo / Overall awesomeness by @laurabrophyinteriors + @jaxsea / Pure water + Wilson’s Coffee by @theurbanspring / Cool finds by @shopkeye
Super fun times were had on Thursday, May 24, 2018, thanks to all the beautiful people who gathered at the locally loved AREOâ in Laguna Beach on Thursday May 24, 2018.
This well curated boutique filled with both swank and humor, encased with high ceilings and floating candle chandeliers, made a most inspirational space for our guest to gather.
It was an evening filled with engaging conversations over delicious food & drinks crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers.
Photos captured by the Neighborhood Creativeâ.
Special thanks to: AREO, Fork in the Road Catering,nThe Urban Springâ, Andrea Luna Reeceâ Ceramics, @mymiddlenameisstarr &Â The Hood Kitchen Space.
This winter we were fortunate to dine with friends – old and new – soaking up the hip vibes at the beautifully understated and modern aesthetic of Isles Interiors in Newport Beach while enjoying conversation between spoonfuls of piping hot Mortadella Lobster Chowder crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers.
The timely cold weather transported us home to simpler times. Thanks to all who gathered at the communal table to make this an evening to remember including @lunareececeramics + @theurbanspring. Special thanks to Maria & Max Isles.
Photo credit to MB.Maher.com + + + + +Â
Four Course Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers of Fork In the Road Catering and Wine Pairing by wine aficionado Tyler Rodriguez
We have walked through Pirate’s Cove a hundred of times dreaming of a table on the sand, where we could enjoy food and conversation while getting our feet wet — in style; we can’t express how bringing this to reality makes us feel.  Super big thanks to designer Laura Brophy, photographer Kendal Riley of The De Lauras & Wes (and Mike) of @theoclist for being a part of this amazing experience to get our creative on, thank our collaborators and dream of the future.
We had an amazing lark at Maiaâs Cottage in Laguna Beach. Unsure of late October weather, we boldly stepped into a misty and windy day and began our prep, which thankfully included a gorgeous and highly functional fire pit designed by our friends at Haskell. Maiaâs Cottage calm French Provincial vibe could not have been more perfect â as we flowed through the house with drinks, appetizers, introductions and greetings. As the weather stilled, we gathered under the stars to enjoy a heartfelt menu crafted by Chef Kyle Powers and Sous Chef Nelson who fortunately had the luxury of a gorgeous and functional kitchen.