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
LECHE FLAN/creme caramel, raspberry, Japanese shiso, caramel shards
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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 rctnglINATOG/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 On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!PINRITONG MAYA MAYA/red snapper, soy, lemongrass, garlic, ginger + House Beer!Ladies who lark!LECHE FLAN/creme caramel, raspberry, Japanese shiso, caramel shards On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!
Photo credit to our favorite foodie + conversationalist MBMaher.com
M: :we’ve been roommates, co-workers, business partners, and cooking buddies since our college days.
Q. What made you take “the leap” in pursuing your passions full time?
R: To be able to work for ourselves and enjoy what we do. Our passion will never reach its full potential if we don’t put our all into it
M: you can’t fight that feeling of wanting to do something you really love for very long.
Q. Why the name RCTNGL?
rctngl came about while we were sitting around our table brainstorming ideas for a name. we thought about how we started with hosting pot lucks at our house to stay in touch with our friends. we threw around ideas until we looked down at the table, a simple rctngl.
far more than a flat surface upon which to dine, the table can be the heartbeat of a family. it’s a place to gather, to talk and to reconnect. the dining table has always been a symbol of many things: the place where we nourish ourselves, where we come together, celebrate important milestones, share experiences, and create new understandings. it is a place often associated with the word conviviality; a word that means festivity, joviality, cordiality and friendliness.
regardless of other differences, all cultures across the world (and through time) view the dining table with the same significance.
Q. What is your most memorable meal (one you made or one you’ve had)?
M: oddly enough, it was a meal in Italy. long story short, before we had any direction of how or what we wanted to cook, we cooked anything and everything.
we traveled to Italy for a friend’s wedding and had amazing food; pastas, charcuterie, wine, everything was amazing. however, if someone were to ask us what the nuances of a dish was or what differentiates this from the other, we wouldn’t be able to truly say anything because it’s not something we had a deep connection to, it’s not what we grew up eating.
it was at that moment that we both realized we need to pull from the things that are authentic to us and who we are, and thus turned into the food we make for rctngl.
Q. What is the most exotic thing you’ve ever made?
M: i wouldn’t say it’s exotic, but I would say that it’s adventurous, we ferment a lot of ingredients that we showcase in our dishes.
the funkiest ferment that we’ve made but yielded the most amazing flavor was a ferment of a mushroom called Lion’s Mane. Raw, it tastes briny and almost seafood like, when it ferments it picks up the scent and flavor of a nicely aged cheese.
Q. What is your most prized ingredient?
R: Love…haha…
M: vinegars, that stuff runs through my blood
Q. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
R: Taking care of my family and loved ones. doing all that i can to make sure they are well and healthy.
M: sharing meals with strangers who then become friends.
Q. What is your greatest extravagance?
R: My toy and sneaker collections.
M: anything related to food, my budget is like 20% rent, 80% things that go into my mouth.
Q. What do you find yourself saying when people ask what it’s like to be a chef?
R: I’m not a chef. just an avid home cook.
M: be prepared to wash a lot of dishes.
Q. What is your current state of mind?
R: rctngl
M: same as Ralph’s state of mind
Q. If you could change one thing about how people enjoy food, what would it be?
R: I wouldn’t. that’s the beauty in all of us. We are all individuals with our own experiences and tastes. That’s the challenge. To create and share food that all people can experience.
M: i would say to be able to try to understand food contextually and out of your own opinions of it. food is an expression of the person cooking it. it may be a reflection of an experience of growing up, or having a meal in a different country, each dish has a semblance of history with it. know that with each bite, you’re stepping into their world and why they want to share it with you.
Q. What chef inspires you?
M: at this moment, I would say Rene Redzepi. he released a book last year in October and it’s changed the way I think and prepare food when it comes to fermentation. he really teaches you not only how to preserve foods, but to take a single ingredient, apply time to it, and make it taste so much more complex.
Q. What words or phrases to you over use?
R: I don’t know because I probably over use those same words and phrases haha.
M: “Fair enough.” a go-to phrase that makes sense in all conversations.
Q. What do you most value about food culture?
R: Food is most often times the first barrier of entry into another person’s world. another person’s culture. you literally get a taste of what that culture is. If we are open to eating new and different foods, we can be open with each other. Food can cultivate connection, which can lead to evolving culture. The diverse Los Angeles food scene is a perfect example of that.
M: i agree with Ralph. we’re living in a very special time, people are more adventurous to traveling to different parts of town just to eat food. not only are you possibly indulging in another culture’s cuisine, you’re going to new parts of town that you haven’t seen before. we’re getting out of our bubbles, whether it be by location or by taste.
Q. What do you hope to accomplish in life?
R: Leave our mark in the city we love, Los Angeles.
M: being able to make LA as proud of us as we are of it.
Join us for a welcome cocktail + mingling leading up to an amazing chef crafted Kamayan dining experience all while enjoying the {rediscovered} art of conversation.
1686 Tustin Avenue Costa Mesa, California 92627 (cross streets: 17th & Tustin)
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Friday, January 25, 2019, 6:30pm-9:30pm $95. per person, all-inclusive Kamayan style dinner + house beer Purchase Tickets*: Let’s Go On A Lark! *Non-refundable/absolutely transferableP
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.
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.
Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio! Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio! 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!Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio!
Imagery captured by our favorite foodie + conversationalist, Mitch Maher of MBMaher.com
These gorgeous hand made ceramics by Andrea Luna Reece adorn our communal tables
We are so honored to share our collaboration with local artist Andrea Luna Reece whose gorgeous (and yummy) plates + bowls adorn our communal tables and where each handmade piece carries the passion and love she has for her craft.
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.
On a super fun lark in DTLA with Chef Kyle Powers
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.
Lawrence Fodor rocking the vibe on a lark at his artist loft in DTLA
Chef Kyle Powers put all his good energy into a phenomenal menu – it helps to have an actual kitchen!
Chef Kyle Powers rocks the vibe on a lark in DTLA.
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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.
Tyle Rodriguez on a super fun lark in DTLA
Split Pea Soup enjoyed on a lark in DTLA
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.
What to wear on a lark? Whatever makes you feel beautiful.
Super fun times, thanks to our amazing guests, on a lark in DTLA!
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
A little Fall love consisting of yummy hand made Alpaca throws from The Storyteller Studio in Louisville Kentucky
Setting the good vibes with @hartleyycashaus + @lawrencefodor
Soaking up the radiant artsy vibes of DTLA!
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!
On a lark at Mindy Gayer Design Co. + Hati Hati Home in West Side Costa Mesa
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.
Hanging out here with a heart & soul on a super fun lark at Mindy Gayer Design & Hati Hati Home in Costa Mesa
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.
Super fun times on a lark at Mindy Gayer Design + Hati Hati Home
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.
Chasing grace on Guerrillalark #5! 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 had just one hour… and we could have shrugged it off, but instead we all showed and brought our best. Friends, both old and new – all embarking on their own adventures – gather to create + collaborate + elevate!
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!
October 2018
Last 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.
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.
The conceptualization of lark happened when, at the prodding of a friend and the impending acquisition of a photography company where I held my favorite job coordinating photo shoots, I examined, introspectively, how I wanted to live my life and what things truly mattered.
What is success to me? Doing the work I love. Producing allows me to pull together the pieces of a big puzzle and create something new altogether. It’s the creative process that feeds into so many layers: meeting new people, seeing new places, learning new things, growing from experiences.
What are things I yearn for? What does it truly mean to live? Actively engaging with others, discovering new places, enjoying amazing food and so on (it’s a long list) — but mostly sharing these experiences. Why? To evoke happiness, interest, excitement, conversation, meaning, hope and inspiration.
How could I bring what I’ve honed professional into what I love personally? How do I break down walls between the two and invite everyone a part of these nurturing and unique experiences?
Lark bloomed with the opportunity to work side by side with a talented chef and setting our first communal table. We took the idea of pop up social dining and elevated it by applying our creative spin adding style, design, fashion, music – whatever may be inspiring us at the moment. We love the idea that we are both malleable and progressive. Not knowing where this adventure would lead, but knowing it would be both daring and fun, we called it a lark.
Drawing from personal experience, we operate on the firm belief that giving and sharing your gifts is the best – and when you work with others whose talents you can embrace and lift up (and vice-versa) the combination sets things on fire. Lark puts out a positive vibe and a good energy that is about continually taking the next intentional step towards the things we love, which we hope you have the opportunity to experience. Lark is growing and changing, but its foundation will always be about inspiring others.
Images captured by the lovely & talented @taliadecoite
Chef Kyle Powers and Lisa Martinez on a lark at Urban Americana ~ Summer 2018
On a super fun lark at Urban Americana ~ Summer 2018
Lisa Martinez on a super fun lark at the ultra hip Urban Americana in Long Beach ~ Summer 2018
