Tag: Orange County

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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

 

 

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Lark + Chef Kyle + J o l I e of Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach, California

7/30/15 Pop-up Dinner Party at  J o l i e  in Newport Beach, CA

J o l i e {beautiful in French} truly lives up to it’s name. Owner Cherie D’Sa and her crew Nicole and Norma operate with style and grace. We love their light and airy seaside location showcasing amazing collection of curated high-end clothing, shoes, handbags, and home goods.

J o l I e embraced lark and then showed us what the word “hustle” actually looks like. One of the few shops open while Lido Marina Village is under construction, they have managed to build a strong local following and create their own piece of fashion paradise in a short period of time.

To add style upon style, lark was fortunate to collaborate with talented artists Andrea Luna Reece and Stacy & Selavi at Ready Set Make. They added some beautiful handmade ceramic tapas plates and stunning Himmeli sculptures to sit alongside the gorgeous menus created by LetterSparrow.

Everything about J o l I e is perfect, so we decided to set the vibe just outside the doors by creating a hip and fun vignette with fabulous furnishings from 503found (check out those yellow chairs from Paris!).

As you may surmise, our communal dinner table was already bursting with good vibes when Chef Kyle shared all the delicious details of his eponymous menu:

welcome beverage

honeydew basil spritzer: gin, honeydew puree & basil simple syrup, finished w/champagne

appetizer

grilled octopus w/spicy champagne vinaigrette, preserved lemon & thinly sliced purple potatoes

on the table + paired with wine

pickled watermelon salad

tossed in a burnt tortilla vinaigrette, w/grilled kale, burrata cheese & toasted almonds

shrimp & crab cake

served w/white bean tahini puree, fried soft shell crab + a charred corn & fresno chili salad

*vegetarian option: summer squash cake served / white bean tahini puree, and a charred corn & fresno chili salad  

dessert 

shortbread biscuit served w/frozen greek yogurt & blueberry sage compote

Bringing this lark to fruition, we discovered this fashionista’s paradise is rooted to the ground with genuine people on every side of the counter.

We are grateful for all who gathered, making this a beautiful summer lark! A gazillion thanks to our guests, @Shop_Jolie, @LetterSparrow, @ReadySetMake, @MySaltySoul, @LunaBirdie, @503found & @ForkInTheRoadCatering. Until we meet again! Xo~l

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Lark + Jolie = Summer 2015
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Lark + Jolie + Ready Set Make = Summer 2015
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Lark + Jolie + Andrea Luna Reece + Letter Sparrow = Summer 2015
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Lark + Jolie + Letter Sparrow = Summer 2015
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Lark + Jolie + Summer 2015
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Lark + Jolie = Summer 2015
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Lark + Chef Kyle + The Hood Kitchen | Hipping It Up in Costa Mesa, California

3/28/15 Pop-Up Dinner Party at The Hood Kitchen in Costa Mesa, CA 

We were honored to set our communal table at this amazing haven for Culinary Professionals, Food Artisans & Entrepreneurs. Our early inspiration was to reflect the fun and coolness of this amazing space that houses commercial kitchens and an extraordinary amount of support to the culinary community at large.  We brought in some colorful paintings by artist Catherine Rex, along with some sharp looking cactus (pun intended).  We grounded the vibe with tribal painted rocks and synced all of it up with a groovy soundtrack.  Then, as always, Chef Kyle worked his magic and actually plated Hip & Edge – we enjoyed:

STARTERS

RHUBARB MARGARITA served on the rocks w/a sweet and salty rim,
garnished with kumquats & limes!

CURED SEAFOOD PLATTER beet cured salmon + citrus cured shrimp
served on a platter w/multi colored vegetable chips,
spiced fried hominy, roasted shisito peppers & cucumber salsa!

VEGETARIAN SOPES corn sopes topped w/a purple potato mash + quickly pickled onions, greens, smoked salt & a lime zest crema!

ON THE TABLE
& paired w/South American & Spanish wines:

BOWLS OF LOTUS CHIPS served w/a dried chile tapenade

COURSE ONE
CHARRED GREENS SALAD charred romaine and crispy kale tossed in a burnt tortilla vinaigrette w/pepitas, roasted red peppers & cotija cheese

COURSE TWO
BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB TAMALES served w/a spicy lobster sauce, topped with fried black-eyed peas, roasted vegetables & chunks of lobster meat

****Vegetarian Alternative****
BRAISED JACKFRUIT TAMALES served with a spicy hatch chile sauce, topped w/fried black eyed peas, roasted vegetables & frisee lettuce

COURSE THREE
CHURROS TWO WAYS homemade churros, served w/a spicy chocolate ganache & deep fried churro ice cream

Many thanks to all the beautiful people who came on a lark with us! They brought their gorgeous smiles and good vibes! Special thanks to Shelby Coffman, LetterSparrow, Catherine Rex Art, Medium Raw Arts, Monique Schulfer, Seaworth Coffee Co., Jeri Vann Creations, Jaxsea Swimwear, Tom Goad, Marisa Powers, Jane Vo, and Dawn Martinez.

On a lark at The Hood Kitchen Space Costa Mesa, CA
Charred romaine and crispy kale tossed in a burnt tortilla vinaigrette w/pepitas, roasted red peppers & cotija cheese. On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
On a lark at The Hood Kitchen Space 3-28-15
Catherine, Monique, Shelby, Kyle, Marisa & Lisa. On a lark Lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
Cured Seafood Platter
beet cured salmon + citrus cured shrimp served on a platter w/multi colored vegetable chips, spiced fried hominy, roasted shisito peppers & cucumber salsa! On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
Hip & Edge! @The Hood Kitchen Space
Hip & Edge! On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB TAMALES served w/a spicy lobster sauce, topped with fried black-eyed peas, roasted vegetables & chunks of lobster meat. On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB TAMALES served w/a spicy lobster sauce, topped with fried black-eyed peas, roasted vegetables & chunks of lobster meat. On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
Beautiful work by @LetterSparrow. On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.
Beautiful work by @LetterSparrow. On a lark @TheHoodKitchen 3-28-15.

 

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Lark + Chef Kyle + 503found in Newport Beach, California

We will forever revel in our super fun lark at the beautiful 503found. Chef Kyle delivered BIG time on effort and flavor. He crafted his own makeshift kitchen steps away from our communal table and served up a fine menu. Music flowed, wine was poured and friends were made in the midst of the beautiful, eclectic artwork and furnishings.

We had a beautifully styled table thanks to our lark crew, 503found’s offerings, and the hand-lettered menus created by LetterSparrow.

Thank you to all the beautiful people who attended, we are grateful to the good energy and love you brought to this occasion. We hope we inspired you to come on a future lark!

In closing, we are super thankful to Kim J., owner of 503found, for her free spirit, style and inspiration. 503found is housed in a former boathouse sure to be full of good times and stories – and we are proud to have added to them.

Special thanks to Photographer Brian Tropiano, Marisa Powers, & Lark stylists: Ginger Wallace, Monique Schulfer & Catherine Rex.

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0063

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0066

Proofs_Lark@503_0071
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Proofs_Lark@503_0086
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found
Proofs_Lark@503_0091
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
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Lark + Letter Sparrow

We are excited to announce our collaboration with Letter Sparrow, who will be designing our menu and place cards for our upcoming lark at 503found.  We only see good things coming from this talented artist and are honored to work with her.  xo~l FullSizeRender (8)

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6/13/14 “Honey Moon” Lark at AoSA Coffee, Huntington Harbor

We loved setting our communal table AoSA Coffee in Huntington Harbor on Friday June 13th. The positive vibes and family style serving really brought this group together.  It’s such a pleasure seeing people connect and enjoy themselves.  Our recipe is always a stylish but earthly environment, gregarious people, and amazing food & drinks. Thanks to all the people who came together to make this happen!

If your curious like us, here are few things we learned about AoSA!  AoSA = Artists for Sustainable Action.  They offer Stumptown Coffee on tap as well as Kombucha on tap! You can purchase both in growlers, which is convenient, reduces waste and costs (win/win/win). The crew that runs this operation are hardworking, enthusiastic, multi-talented and open minded. Please stop in and say hello, have a cup of their amazing coffee and check out their ever-growing list of community minded events from poetry reading to underground dinner parties!

Many thanks to our talented photographer Brian Tropiano! Please visit his website at: www.briantropiano.com

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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.

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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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6/27/13 “Let’s Have A Great Summer” Pop-Up at The AOSA Project

We were happy to set the communal table inside The AOSA Project, an amazing socially responsible retail shop in Huntington Harbor. What a great way to start off summer!  We did our best to create a special, but eclectic setting – something that would fit the location well.   Many great topics were brought up at the dinner table, such as “The Edible Schoolyard Project” and how do you know when “You have it all”?  These great images were taken by Vivid Images-Don Baker.  Many thanks to Jennifer Orona for opening the doors for us.  We cannot wait to do it again!1040740_327480017383652_1200979264_o

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Why Pop?

Popping up a restaurant and marketplace in different locations is a cool and fun way to bring people together to share what we are passionate about in life.  For me, this is the perfect combination of friends, food, wine, and design (an abridged list as you may surmise).   It is also a way for “Lark” to figure out where it fits in this world, a sort of living business plan.  Our motto is “do, reflect, refine, and do again”.   We often tell people it’s about “doing” instead of “dreaming of doing”.   We hope this leads to becoming experts at pop-ups and, later on, having our own brick and mortar.  However, we are grateful to have discovered the opportunity to bring people together for a wonderful and unique experience doing what we love.  The beauty of popping up is that each event is fresh and different.  The combination of locations, people, food, design are constantly changing and evolving.  This makes it easy to call it an adventure, ahem, Lark.

-Lisa Gutierrez-Martinez, Owner/Creative Director

Ready to greet out guests! at our AoSA Underground Dinner Party in Huntington Harbor.
Ready to greet out guests! at our AoSA Underground Dinner Party in Huntington Harbor.