fashion – Lark Artisan Market

January 20, 2024February 25, 2024

Q+A with Cleobella | Sunset Beach, CA

Our muse for our 1/25/24 lark at Cleobella’s gorgeous 1920’s seaside cottage can be summed up in two words: Ciao Bella!

Cleobella has outgrown their gorgeous boutique, on PCH in Sunset Beach, and the time has come for release but not without gratitude and a proper goodbye.

In the beginning the boutique served as an oasis where the dream + determination behind Cleobella came together as one. And over the years has delighted the community with it’s style + vibe and has also hosted many gatherings.

Because founder Angela O’Brien loves to create, collaborate & elevate, our gathering is an opportunity to honor the idea of chasing one’s dream and paving a path that empowers others.

We are thrilled to set our communal table with Cleobella—and we invite you along as we dive below the surface with our (ode to Proust) dinner party questionnaire with “Ange”:

Cleobella’s Founder & Creative Director, Angela O’Brien

Where did you grow up?

I grew up Huntington Beach, California.

Have you always been into fashion & style?

Yes! Ever since I can remember I loved dressing up, whether it was dolls, my brothers or myself. It’s when I feel most alive…I step into a creative portal and I get lost. My high school days were spent modeling and that exposed me to the fashion world and travel and gave me a deeper appreciation for the art of fashion. I am an avid vintage shopper, and I find inspiration in decades from the past, its like a history lesson for me. I often describe it as a treasure hunt to spend the day searching for something that sparks the next design detail on our latest collection. I pinch myself that this is my job:-)

Can you remember your earliest inspiration (people/books/places/experiences)?

My earliest inspiration is shopping with my Grandmother…she’s a professional shopper ;-)…she’s always down for the hunt and she does it with so much joy! When I was 18 I got an opportunity to have a modeling contract in Tokyo for 6 months and that’s when my true love for travel inspiration started. It was then that I was bitten by the travel bug and that has continued to be a source of inspiration for all of Cleobella’s collections.

What is your most marked creative characteristic?

I lead from the heart. Intuition drives my creativity. The journey of entrepreneurship is such a journey of self, and tapping into the truth of who we are…give us wings to fly!!!

Who are your hero’s?

My mom, Cleobelle. This is also my great grandmother’s name…I have a long lineage of Irish women in my family who possess this unique duality of feminine//strength and they inspire me daily.

Would you say food & fashion go hand in hand?

100%! I’m very sensitive energetically, and I believe in the value of creating meaningful experiences when all the senses are thoughtfully curated. The smells, the community, the atmosphere, they all raise the vibrations. I believe food should be equally beautiful and delicious and should awaken all your senses. This is why I’m so excited to partner with Lark as I know we share the same values.

We know you love a good dinner party, are you the chef at home?

I’m the chef and my husband does the dishes:-). Our daughter, Indigo, loves to cook with me. She also loves to set up a beautiful table…she has such an eye for creativity and she thoughtfully designs our dinners with fresh flowers, candles and our handmade Cleobella block printed napkins. We bake together because we love dessert!

What is your go-to meal OR most prized ingredient?

Our backyard is an edible garden. We grow herbs like sage, lavender, rosemary, and thyme. I visit our local farmers market on Sundays with the kids and pick out what’s fresh and that helps determine our meals for the week. I enjoy making soups and I love to use spices from our travels. We recently made a curry soup using spices that our team in India sent us. I’m not much for using recipes, I’m a lazy chef….I throw it in…cook for taste and serve:-)

We have always loved the look and feel of your boutique in Sunset Beach, can you tell us how you discovered it?

When my husband and I started Cleobella, we were doing business out of our home and we were spending half of the year in California and half of the year in Bali, Indonesia. At this time, our oldest, Keenan was just a baby. I wanted a separation of the work and family life. When I found this 1920’s cottage it was a grow house for marijuana and looked like a halfway house inside. I had a vision and I knew if I could renovate it, if I could sell enough handbags in the front then I could afford an office space in the back. Within 2 years we tripled our sales and outgrew the space and moved our offices to our current headquarters and design studio and fulfillment center just down the street in Huntington Beach. Our wholesale and online business began to grow and it was a dream come true.

What dream was in your heart at the time you moved in?

The dream was to build a sustainable lifestyle fashion brand that created jobs for our artisan partners and build a life that is rich in experience and travel as this is our passion.

Was there anyone instrumental in helping you transform the cottage into a dreamy + well styled boutique?

My husband, Jim O’Brien. He has always been such an amazing supporter. I have also had so many friends and family along the way who supported us from the early days when I was selling my designs at farmers markets and out of the trunk of my car….I believe in the philosophy of growing a business for good. Aligning our personal values with our professional values to support our family has been a dream come true. WE now support more that 1,200 artisan partner around the world, where we have an office in India with a talented team who brings our vision to life.

How long has the boutique donned the Cleobella sign?

11 years! Keenan, my son, was a baby and now he’s a teenager…how time flys by…when you’re having fun :-0!

We know due to time and circumstance you will be letting the space go, do you want to share more about this transition?

Cleobella is in over 500 retailers across the country including Nordstrom, Shop Bop, Revolve, Anthropologie. We are focusing on building our e-commerce business and delivering timeless, sustainably made collections. Our company has grown tremendously over the last 5 years and we have some very exciting projects ahead of us.

What is your current state of mind?

Joy. My focus is moving with flow and ease. My currency is freedom and I continue to have this as the forefront of my decision making.

Business school, yay or nay?

Nay for me, personally. Growing Cleobella has been business school for me. We started this brand with $12,000 and have grown it grass roots, and always stay curious and open to the wisdom we learn from others. This has been my business school.

What is one thing people most often don’t realize about Fashion?

I would say the time it takes to build a collection. Typically, it takes about 12 months. From concept to sketch review, then to producing and perfecting samples, from there to selling, then production. Then comes the behind the scenes stuff like marketing, telling the story, then finally the product is brought to the customer. We are always working on future collections about a year ahead. We just launched our Spring ‘24 collection while currently designing for Spring ‘25.

What advice do you find yourself most often sharing with other female business owners?

Entrepreneurship is such a journey of self when you’re curious and open hearted you will thrive. Believe in yourself and don’t compromise your values and life will happen for you in the way it’s meant to be…trust the journey.

What is your motto?

I have an optimistic point of view and I always have, it’s in my nature. I believe it’s a muscle and the more you lead with love…the more meaningful your life will become. I’ve always seen life through rose colored glasses, which is something I learned from my grandma. A positive mindset is so important to me. Sure, this is a trait that can get me into situations that I have to learn to work my way through, but that is the beauty in it. It keeps you learning and growing and for that I am forever grateful and humbled by this beautiful Cleobella world I have created with my husband, he’s my best friend and business partner. As well as our beautiful community of talented and hardworking people that have supported this dream come true.

✚ ✚ ✚

Thoroughly inspired, we are looking forward gathering around the communal table to enjoy a delicious chef curated meal, be warmed by each others company, and—best of all—partake in the (rediscovered) art of conversation.

Although our Thursday 1/25/24 Lark at Cleobella w/the talented Chef Matthew Roberts is sold out, we invite you to come along through our images and stories!

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

November 13, 2023November 26, 2023

Create. Collaborate. Elevate.

Action leads to opportunities.
Persistence pays.
The key is collaboration.

Image of our mood board captured by Candace Rock Photo on a super fun (& delicious) lark with Chefs Taylor Elam + Matthew Roberts at the fun + fashionable Mama Bijoux in East Side Costa Mesa.

Yes, yes, we are super down for creating well styled dinner parties, the look & feel, the gathering of people, the delicious food, fun with fashion, but there’s a little more to our story.

Lark is the culmination of talented people who come together to share what we are passionate about. We put our vision into action and invite e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e into the fold: the host, guest, chefs, sommelier, stylist, illustrator and the unknowing (soon to be delighted) bystander.

In our collaborative approach we change the dynamic of the typical hierarchal relationship in the kitchen and in the dining room. A leveling of the field so to speak; where everyone invests and benefits from the experience.

There is a purpose and through line to what we are creating. We are encouraging the good vibes and working this from all angles. This is because we are chasing a feeling that occurs when the energy in the room is in sync and the incremental unfolding of the evening feels…right. A playful lifting of mood and endless possibilities. A collective belonging, even if just for the moment.

And when all the elements come together it is like the formation of a star, bright and beautiful. With the ever evolving landscape the results feel kismet. We walk away, bellies and hearts full, knowing there will be positive ripple effects and that the next lark will be just as great.

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us!

October 12, 2023October 12, 2023

Q+A with Häti Home | Costa Mesa, California

We are thrilled to have Hati Home open their doors to lark! We cannot wait to set our communal table in their cool + crafty showroom in West Side Costa Mesa. Their space is warm, inviting and inspiring. Lucky for us, everyone can come along with this fun Dinner Party Q+A with founders Adam & Kallie Thomson.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

Kallie and I are both from the Pacific Northwest, but have been bouncing between Bali and Costa Mesa for the last 15 years.

What experience introduced you to creating your business?

Kallie and I had both worked with artisan groups in Uganda in a previous life, and we’ve always loved that connection with makers. Kallie is a creative at heart and I like to use my analytical brain to solve complex problems, which makes us a great pair. When we were outfitting our villa in Bali, we met a bunch of artisans and I think both of us thought, wow, this is pretty cool. It took the encouragement from a friend and the co-founder of the brand (Kayla Adams) for us to think of this furniture project in Bali as a really business opportunity.

What drives you to create?

We’ve always been really interested in the question of how business can be used as a means to create economic change in communities in far of lands. Neither Kallie or myself would have thought of ourselves as creatives 15 years ago, but I think we figured out how to be good at things that brought the most value to the artisans we have been working with over the years. Creative design, understanding of the market here in the US and a drive to work hard were the things we were best positioned to bring to the table.

What is behind the name Häti Home?

Hati means heart in Indonesian. The meaning of Heart Home was really attractive when we were looking for a name that was inspired by our intentions for how we would run the brand. I will tell you though… the next business we start will be called Furniture Company, LLC, because we always pick names that people are confused by.

When and where did Häti Home come about?

When we were outfitting our villa in Bali, we met a bunch of artisans and I think both of us thought, wow, this is pretty cool. It took the encouragement from a friend and the co-founder of the brand (Kayla Adams) for us to think of this furniture project in Bali as a really business opportunity.

Was there anyone instrumental in making this happen?

Yes, we partnered with two co-founders when we first launched the business. Kayla Adams and Mindy Gayer were and have continued to be absolutely instrumental in creating the business as it is today. Also, shout out to the two groups of artisans we work with in Indonesia. The owners of those workshops have been really open to our dream of creating really amazing furniture in parts of the world where that isn’t always the easiest.

What are people overlooking when it comes to choosing furnishing for their home?

I think people forget that there is so much energy built into every product. From the sun that grows the trees, to the energy that the tree puts into growing itself, the hard work of artisans working to support their families., etc. There’s so much energy put into these products. They are like little super-charged artifacts. They can either be supercharged with positive energy or negative energy depending on how things are produced and the materials that are used. Our customers live their life around these pieces of furniture, so I think it’s really important to bring the most positive vibes into your home.

We know having your own business comes with twist and turns. Any fun beginner stories to share?

Oh gosh… yes, make sure that your furniture doesn’t break when peoples sit in it. That was our first lesson. 🙂 All failure is a gift because it’s the only way we grow.

Häti Home is constantly evolving, we are intrigued by your current small batch designs, can you share more about them and/or this concept?

Our editions collection came from a desire to be creative and push the boundaries of what we thought was possible in ourselves and with the artisans. We’ve spent most of our existence trying to catch up with orders for the same general products. Obviously we are really grateful for that, but we always wanted to be building a brand that evolved as our interest (and those of our customers) changed over time. Our editions collection is really just a way for us to experiment, see what our customers are liking. Some items fall flat and then others I’m sure will become best-sellers.

Business school, yay or nay?

Sometimes I wish I have a bit more book knowledge, but overall I think we get the most value out of being scrappy. I look at our difficult seasons in business as a free MBA.

Where do you draw your inspiration (people/books/places/experiences)?

A lot of Kallie’s inspiration comes from Bali. For us, it’s one of the most creative places on earth, where you can do and or be almost anything. But I wouldn’t say that our brand really wants to have a Bali aesthetic. Most of the inspiration for our new items are rooted in antiques that we find in markets or on the internet.

Do you cook at home? If so, what is your favorite go-to?

We cook a lot at home. We have season’s of inspiration when it comes to what we cook. Now days we eat a lot of salads with fish. The kids grew up in Bali, so there’s always rice on the table.

Adam & Kallie Thomson on a lark of their own in Bali!

Although our 10/12/23 lark at Häti Home w/the talented Chef Taylor Elam + Sous Chef Matthew Roberts is sold out, we invite you to come along and through our images and stories!

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

September 29, 2023September 30, 2023

Q+A with Mama Bijoux! | Costa Mesa, CA

We admire how this 3^rd generation jeweler, Kathryn Miller of Mama Bijoux, brings beauty, energy and meaning to art of adornment. It’s the best feeling to walk into her gorgeous atelier, peruse the dainty heirloom offerings and become inspired. We invite you to our communal table, where you can get to know her more, with these fun dinner party questions:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Los Angeles, specifically the West Side.

As a 3^rd generation jeweler are there any early day stories you can share–with the grandparents?

My mom took me everywhere growing up as she was building her business – downtown Los Angeles where she manufactured, jewelry trade shows, and diamond dealers’ offices. I remember when she first started. She opened a small jewelry case in a clothing store in Pacific Palisades. At first it was just a fun hobby and passion. From there, she grew to owning and operating 4 jewelry store locations on the west side of Los Angeles. Her desk drawer in our home office was filled with jewelry molds and waxes and I remember being fascinated by the process of making jewelry. Every step takes a skilled artisan. I was so proud when she came to speak to my 5th grade class about how one single piece of jewelry is made and how many steps it takes from design concept, to wax molds, casting, setting, and polishing. While there have been technological advances in the industry since, so many of the original techniques are still required to make a piece of jewelry today.

How do your childhood memories around the jewelry business tie into your grown-up life?

I can admit now that there are so many ways. My mother always took time in the morning to get ready for her day to go into the stores and be the face of her brand. I watched her put on her makeup, spray her perfume, dye her eyebrows and do her hair. Her outfits were classy and elegant and embodied the look of a jewelry designer. I think about those moments when I get dressed for the day to walk into my atelier. She was very meticulous about how her jewelry was displayed in her cases. If an employee put all of the jewelry out that morning, she would take an hour to rearrange it. Even the smell of windex takes me back to being a little girl watching my parents clean their store cases. It’s wild!

How did the name Mama Bijoux come about?

Mama and Bijoux (Bijoux, meaning jewelry in French) are two worlds that tell my store. My most important job is being a mother to three little children (Ella (6), Charlotte (4), Noah (2)).

I wanted to incorporate a french word into my brand name because I grew up going to a French school in Los Angeles – Le Lycee Francais. I lived in Paris for over a year in college. I’m a Francophile through and through and the name just felt right, and felt like me.

Is there anything you hope your children to appreciate about this family tradition?

I hope my girls know they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. When I first started Mama Bijoux, I had just lost my brother a year prior (4 days after my 2nd daughter was born). It was the hardest year of my life. I was home at that time with 2 little girls under the age of two. I realized that I needed something for myself and a purpose outside of the home. My passion saved me in a way. I love every second of being creative and I love that my girls get to witness that passion. I love that they know and can see exactly what mommy does. When we drive along 17th street they yell out the window “That’s mommy’s atelier”! Making them proud let’s me know I am doing something right.

What is your most memorable jewelry market experience?

I was 12 years old when my parents brought me along to Las Vegas for the largest jewelry trade show in the world. The rules state that no child under 16 is allowed to enter. My parents made me a business card and dressed me in something “mature”. We got to the registration desk, they took one look at me and said “She’s not old enough to attend”. I was crushed. I had to wait it out with my grandmother in the hotel room. I couldn’t wait for my parents to return to show me all the treasures they sourced!

Do you have any sage advice when it comes to wearing jewelry?

Jewelry should tell your story. My most precious pieces were those I made or were gifted to me to mark a special occasion. For example, my Toi et Moi (You and Me) ring (a pear and heart diamond set side by side) was given to me by my husband following the birth of my son, my last baby. The pear diamond was passed down from my grandmother, and the heart diamond represents my baby, my heart. My Mama Bijoux signature birthstone bracelet represents each person in my family – Diamond for my daughter born in April, Blue Topaz for my 2nd daughter born in December, and Emerald for my son and husband who both have May birthdays. Most pieces are very sentimental and meaningful and will be passed down to my girls and son when it’s time.

We love that you incorporate fashion into your brand, any favorites to share?

For me jewelry and fashion go hand in hand. There is a difference between wearing your clothes and styling your clothes. Jewelry allows me to style my looks. No outfit is complete without the right accessories. I really love to mix high and low end lines. A Zara skirt with Prada shoes and all gold and diamonds. Can’t go wrong!

Are you the chef in the family?

My husband and I both love to cook. Tim, my husband, has a few signature dishes – he makes the most amazing steak, better than a restaurant and a few pasta dishes that are out of this world. He’s a rule follower in the kitchen and loves to follow a recipe. I’m more of an intuition and experimentation cook.

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

Spaghetti alla Nerano from Da Vincenzo in Positano

Are you always up for a dinner party?

ALWAYS. I love hosting and I love sharing a meal with people I love. I’ve found the best conversations happen after a nice meal and a full glass of wine.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being on a boat in the middle of the mediterranean and jumping off into the sea. Followed by a nice cold spritz!

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

It’s the best decision I’ve ever made but also filled with challenges. It’s never as easy as it looks and when it’s really hard, I remind myself I’m on the right track. Nothing amazing has ever been easy.

Where do you find inspiration outside of the jewelry business?

Travel is by far when I am most myself and most inspired. I love that all of my senses are engaged when I travel. There is more of an opportunity to be in the present rather than thinking about the past or future.

If you could change one thing about how people think about jewelry, what would it be?

Education! There is such a HUGE difference between Fine jewelry and Fashion jewelry. Some consumers aren’t aware of why/how price differences are so wide.

What is your current state of mind?

I’m feeling excited about all the things to come as we near the end of the year!

What words or phrases to you overuse?

Yadda yadda yadda, like, so…blah blah blah.

What makes you feel the most alive?

Living my passion and living in the moment when I can mentally get there!

What is your motto?

Always step outside your comfort zone! It’s where the real growth happens.

Although our 10/3/23 lark with Mama Bijoux + Chef Taylor Elam is Sold Out, we are thrilled to invite you along through our images and stories!

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

March 8, 2022March 11, 2022

Q + A with Chefs Jim Sullivan + Alex Bolar of San Diego & Los Angeles

So thrilled to find our way back to collaborating with people who are passionate their craft.

We’ve known the talented San Diego Chef & Photographer Jim Sullivan for since our early lark days and through the culinary connection haven known as The Hood Kitchen Space in Costa Mesa.

Chef Sullivans love for food + film have led him to various kitchens around the world from sandy surf shacks to Michelin Star restaurants. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious––and it’s just what we need at this moment.

Chef Sullivan introduces to Chef Alejandro Bolar who comes from a background of his own supper club Eclair in Atlanta, Georgia and who currently finds his way creating delicious meals in various kitchens throughout Los Angeles and surroundings via kala.

We are looking forward to creating a super fun (& delicious) lark with these two chefs, who will be taking full creative control of the menu.

We invite you along for the ride through this introductory Q & A:

Q. How do you two know each other?

Jim: I’ve known Alex for some time now. We originally met one another while cooking at a friend’s restaurant in Atlanta a few years ago.

Alex: We met in Atlanta at a restaurant called Better Half and then on a subsequent trip to California we met up again. We’ve been wanting collaborate for a while, definitely looking forward to creating some magic.

Q. What led you to lark?

Jim: I’ve always admired the Lark events and have worked with Lisa a few times in the past, both as a chef and photographer.

Alex: Jim said had a friend…he showed me your instagram and I was in.

Q. How did you arrive in the culinary scene?

Jim: I basically grew up in the restaurant industry, starting at the age of 14. After having a long career in the medical field I decided to go back to school. I graduated from culinary school in 2007. Since then I’ve been doing pop ups, staging and being part of the restaurant industry as a professional food photographer.

Alex: My brothers and I are super competitive from who can catch the most or biggest fish to seeing who make the best burger. During these times I noticed that cooking was fun and I had a natural gravitation towards it. During a semester off from college worked Silver Star deli and that introduced me to the commercial kitchen.

Q. Yay or nay to culinary school?

Jim: I did graduate from culinary school and while it was a great experience, I don’t think it’s necessary to become a great cook/chef. If a young person is motivated and can gain knowledge/experience under a great chef then I would suggest that route.

Alex: I went to culinary school and I met cool people along the way, but restaurants teach much more. For someone with a late start, they should consider a school… but if you have the time, working in a restaurant is the school of hard knocks — you’ll have no choice but to learn.

Q. What is your most treasured memory when it comes to food?

Jim: For me that would be working as a young adult/teen at an Italian restaurant in my hometown. This is where I spent my formative years learning the ins and outs of the industry.

Alex: Fierce competitive cooking with my brother Kyle Bolar.

Q. Can you share an impressive elevated dining experience?

Jim: I really like what Outstanding in the Field does. Jim Denevan travels around the country working with local farmers and local chefs. Together they create a fantastic dining experience. I’ve had the pleasure of both eating and working with his team a few times and I absolutely love what they do.

Alex: Atomix in New York City offered a 16 course meal. Korean fine dining. Also, Wolvesmouth in Hollywood was pretty amazing.

Q. What advice do you have for people who want to become chefs?

Jim: Do it because you love it. Don’t do it expecting accolades, money or fame. Do it for the passion, love of food. I realize that sounds cliche but honestly it’s the truth.

Alex: Always be willing to learn something new. With food, there is so much to learn.

Q. What is your most treasured ingredient?

Jim: It used to be fresh seafood like uni or abalone. But as time goes by I’m learning to appreciate and use vegetables more.

Alex: A squeeze lemon on everything!

Q. What is your go-to dish when cooking for yourself?

Jim: Fried rice or Congee, using anything that’s left in the fridge.

Alex: Rice with soft egg and chili crunch.

Q. What is your go-to dish when cooking for others?

Jim: That would depend on the season and what is currently inspiring me. Recently it was using stone fruit.

Alex: Always something chicken based because it’s more familiar to people and there is no variation when it comes to cooking, i.e. raw, seared, etc….

Q. Who are your heroes?

Jim: Alex Bolar (wink wink)

Alex: My parents who are both self-employed, I am witness to them creating a life and lifestyle.

Q. What phrase or word to you use too often?

Jim: F*ck

Alex: “My Man”… an ode to Denzel Washington!

Q. As we are now navigating new seas, do you have any thoughts on the future of dining?

Jim: Man, that’s a tough one. I think the way restaurants are going to run for the foreseeable future has changed. Considering the rising costs of ingredients and the pandemic restaurants are dying off or barely hanging on. I see restaurants pivoting to more of a fast casual model, or dining halls. No longer are you going to fine dining or upper echelon restaurants unless you’re willing to cough up $300 or more per seat.

Alex: Restaurant owners will adapt to meet the needs of their employees. The gap is closing between fine dining and comfort food. Fine dining chefs are creating burgers and comfort food has become more acceptable.

# # #

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

3/26/22 at our favorite designer playground known as Urban Americana in Long Beach.

Menu + More TBA!

February 1, 2019January 8, 2020

On a Super Hip lark at Costa Cabana w/RCTNGL in East Side Costa Mesa, California

Friday, January 25, 2019. Lark #44 Where Fashion Culture meets Food Culture, the photos say it all. We had the most amazing time on a lark at the super hip fashion house of Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa enjoying the tropical vibe, food, drinks + {the lost art of} conversation.

Here we collaborated “hand in hand” with the talented and passionate chefs of L.A.’s rctngl {the shape of a table} who shared their version of “Asia meets L.A.” delicious Kamayan experience; where we all enjoyed eating with our hands!

We are grateful to all the beautiful people who gathered to make this a memorable & magical evening. Special thanks to Chef Andrew Marco+ Chef Ralph Hsiao of @rctngl, Lauren Flores of @costacabana, @stylingbyjo, @lunareeceramics, @frenchbuckets, @housebeer, @theurbanspring, @maysonhauck, Daniel Perlof and our forever curious + adventurous guests!

Menu crafted by @rctngl:

INATOG/corn, calamansi butter, palapa, red onion, cilantro

BROKOLI/broccolini, pinakurat aioli, fermented fresno, palapa

INIHAW NA BABOY/pork jowl, banana ketchup marinade, garlic

PINRITONG MAYA MAYA/red snapper, soy, lemongrass, garlic, ginger

INIHAW NA HIPON/shrimp, crab fat, lemongrass

ADOBONG PAKPAK/chicken wings, sorry, vin, garlic

LUMPIA SHANGHAI/eggroll, pork, carrot, onion, peas

LECHE FLAN/creme caramel, raspberry, Japanese shiso, caramel shards

+ + + + +

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us! Next up, 2/22/19 at Coast Modern in Seal Beach with the talented + self-taught Chef Kyle Powers.

Gin & Pom Cocktail with Marigold compliments of rctngl

INATOG/corn, calamansi butter, palapa, red onion, cilantro

PINRITONG MAYA MAYA/red snapper, soy, lemongrass, garlic, ginger

ADOBONG PAKPAK/chicken wings, sorry, vin, garlic

On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!

LUMPIA SHANGHAI/eggroll, pork, carrot, onion, peas

PINRITONG MAYA MAYA/red snapper, soy, lemongrass, garlic, ginger + House Beer!

LECHE FLAN/creme caramel, raspberry, Japanese shiso, caramel shards

Photo credit to our favorite foodie + conversationalist MBMaher.com

January 13, 2019January 8, 2020

On a {Holiday} Lark w/ Concept Studio Inc. + Chef Kyle Powers | Sleigh Bells Ring in Newport Beach, California

It was summer, lark was growing and our biggest challenge, TIME, becoming more challenging. We had thought about “the leap” a thousand times, even writing our perfect life scenario: time for all the things that make a life well, a life. The day arrived. Courage, confidence and faith showed up and swept fears aside.

I had worked at Concept Studio Inc. for a little under two years. From day one, I always felt it was informing me with its character, dedication and beauty. My co-workers were more like family with a colorful and inspiring history. A pretty bow on everything. A shiny and evolving showroom gleaming with style and beauty. But, it was time.

My voice cracked when I shared the news, an emotion over took me-completely by surprise. I really felt for the people I worked with and cherished the relationships and I was sad to leave them behind…but then a funny thing happened. A real life best-case-scenario. They were sticking with me after all. They supported and encouraged me. They rang with ideas and excitement. All of which I am so very grateful. It was therefore an honor to create a special lark holiday, just for us.

Popping up in a home brings a certain intimacy and this beautiful space was no exception. We dined outdoors (yes, we are in California) with a view of a gorgeous kitchen on one side-to enjoy prep + plate-and a well manicured garden on the other, twinkle lights all around. Wine poured, candles burned, music played all while enjoying the lost art of conversation.

Menu curated by the talented Chef Kyle Powers of
Fork In the Road Catering

1/mushroom toast crispy mushrooms + white kimchi

2/pearl couscous, roasted winer squash, spicy pear, fennel + golden peppadew dressing

3/short rib stew w/roasted carrots + melting potato: <vegetarian stew alternate>

4/pear pudding crumble

5/purple sweet potato pie, salted peach coating candy, root beer custard

+++++

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

On a super fun holiday lark with Concept Studio!

Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio!

Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio! Cheers! Winter 2018.

spicy pear, fennel + golden peppadew dressing compliments of Chef Kyle Powers!

Gorgeous jewel toned florals by French Buckets!

short rib stew w/roasted carrots + melting potato compliments of Chef Kyle Powers!

Imagery captured by our favorite foodie + conversationalist, Mitch Maher of MBMaher.com

August 7, 2018January 8, 2020

Guerrilla Lark at Casa Blanca | The Dog Days of Summer in Long Beach, California

It’s official, the dog days of summer are here! Our super hot guerrilla lark at Casa Blanca in downtown Long Beach took this fashionable crew on an adventure in style, food and conversation.

This fast, fun and unpredictable style of setting communal tables and sharing meals allows our crew to express themselves, generate ideas and inspiration, create beautiful imagery, highlight and thank our collaborators and dream of future larks.

We are grateful to all the beautiful people who gathered to make this a memorable experience – no doubt, a precursor to our upcoming lark communal dinner party at the super hip Cleobella Beach Bungalow in Sunset Beach.

Organic, modern. inspirational communal dining.

Come on a lark with us!

Open invite, limited seats.

16792 14th Street
Sunset Beach, CA 92651
(Cross streets: PCH & 14th Street)

+ + + + +

Friday, August 17, 2018, 6:30pm-9:30pm
$125 per person, all-inclusive good vibes, four course menu & wine pairing
Purchase tickets*: Let’s Go On A Lark!
*Non-refundable/absolutely transferable

Images feature:

Beautiful pots + plates by @lunareececeramics
Gorgeous (& fun) fashion + bags by @cleobella
Delicious food by Chef Dan Perlof @rhymeandreasoncatering
Stunning Floral by @frenchbuckets
Conversation and creativity by all, including: @laurabrophyinteriors @jaxsea @billyaloha
Location, cocktails and photos by the talented Mitch Maher of MBMaher.com

On a super fun (and hot) guerrilla lark at Casa Blanca!

Having fun in fashion on a guerrilla lark at Casa Blanca!

Good (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark at Casa Blanca!

Going for the grilled artichoke thanks to Chef Daniel Perlof!

Grilled lambs “pops” hit the spot, compliments of Chef Daniel Perlof who will be crafting the menu for lark #39 at Cleobella on Friday 8/17/18.

Elevated table scape thanks to French Buckets!

Good times & good vibes on a guerrilla lark at Casa Blanca.

Creating and sharing on a guerrilla lark at Casa Blanca.

Luna Reece Ceramics meets French Buckets, once again!

Cheers! Something about creating fills you up in so many ways. Thanks for coming on a lark with us!

Lark + Cleobella! Because we like their style!

May 23, 2014June 25, 2014

5/16/14 “For The Dreamers” lark at 31 Bits in Costa Mesa

Our lark on Friday, May 16th was an amazing experience. Thanks to all the beautiful people who attended. We gathered around the communal table at the 31 Bits bungalow in Costa Mesa to enjoy food, wine, and great conversation. We appreciate Jessie, Courtney, and all of 31 Bits for sharing their space and story with us! We are truly inspired!

www.31Bits.com Using Fashion and Design to Empower Women to Rise Above Poverty.