Guerrilla Lark Crystal Cove | Art of Picnic Newport Beach, California

Because there is so much beauty in doing.

Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.

We are thrilled to have created a fast + fun way to get our creative juices flowing, uplift each other and thank our collaborators.

Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.

Super thankful to @mat3.photography for spot-on capturing this carefree + dreamy vibe! Images captured at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach.

Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.

We always appreciate @lunareececeramics who shared with us her latest designs, LOVE! You will always find her hand-made ceramics adorning our communal table. Dried florals by our favorite florist @frenchbuckets of Lido Marina Village.

Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.

Of course, Stylist Mayson Hauck always knows how to fem things up – thanks for the gorgeous dress + props!

Why wait for opportunity, when you can create it. Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cover State Beach.

Create. Collaborate. Elevate. Come on a lark with us!

@letsgoonalark

On a lark w/DTLA Artist Lawrence Fodor + Chef Kyle Powers | Art of Dining in Los Angeles, California

Friday, October 19, 2018

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!

xo~l

On a lark w/Mindy Gayer Design & Hati Hati Home + Chef Kyle Powers | West Side Costa Mesa Baby!

Friday, October 5, 2018

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.

Special thanks to Mindy Gayer and Kayla Adams for opening their doors to us!  Also, much love to Chef Kyle PowersSommelier Tyler RodriguezPhotographer MBMaherCeramicist Andrea Luna Reece, the hip & knowledgeable purveyors of H2O The Urban Spring, Florista French Buckets , dreamers at Christy Coffee and Illustrator My Middle Name Is Starr for making this an evening to remember.

Modern, organic, social dining ~ come on a lark with us! 

Next lark Friday 10/19/18 at painter + photographer Lawrence Fodor’s Artist Loft in the vibrant Arts District of DTLA,

Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at Mindy Gayer Design Co. + Hati Hati Home

Lark + Urban Americana + Chef Kyle Powers | Embracing All Things Retro in Long Beach, California

Friday, August 31, 2018

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.

Until we lark again.

xo~l

Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers of Fork In the Road Catering and pair with wine from California based Waylan Wine Co.

1. pistachio +  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.  *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

On a lark at Urban Americana Summer 2018

On a lark at Urban Americana Summer 2018

On a lark at Urban Americana Summer 2018

On a lark at Urban Americana Summer 2018

On a lark at Urban Americana Summer 2018

Chef Kyle Powers on a lark at Urban Americana Summer 2018

On a lark at Urban Americana Summer 2018

On a lark at Urban Americana Summer 2018

 

 

Meet Chef Daniel Perlof | Making it Happen in Tustin California

Chef Daniel Perlof A native of Tustin California, learned his way around the kitchen at a young age partaking in the creation of family meals with his Grandmother and Father. Outside of the home, he studied Spanish and found this to be helpful in various kitchens and catering roles – always seeking to help talented crew members overcome this hurdle when expressing their talents with mostly English speaking managers. Chef Daniel recently took a leap of food and faith to expand this concept of elevating others by opening his own catering company Rhyme and Reason Catering. With lark #39  at the gorgeous Cleobella being his official “lark” debut, we can’t wait to see what this eager and passionate chef has to offer.

Q & A

Which living Chef do you most admire?

Argentine Chef Francis Mallmann is absolutely fascinating. He emphasizes learning and a communal approach to the kitchen, which I love and respect. Also, he uses fire for everything, and I’ve always been a bit of a pyro.

What is the quality you most like in a meal?

Balance.

What do you consider your greatest culinary achievement?

Having my father tell others that I had surpassed his culinary talents.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My sense of humor.

What is your motto?

“Fortune favors the bold.”

Can you share a life changing culinary experience?

I had the fortunate opportunity to go on a post-graduation trip to Europe, a guided site-seeing experience over the course of three weeks, that took us to Rome, Florence, Paris, Interlaken, Bruges, and London.

In Rome I experienced veal for the first time in my life, something I didn’t foresee (but as they say, “When in Rome!”). Walking around the Forum and seeing the relics of that ancient world, I wondered to myself how the Romans must have eaten way back when those sites were first being developed– alongside of what would later come to be known as the “Western” world.

In Florence, I enjoyed prosciutto with cantaloupe for the first time, and had pizza for four days in a row.

Paris demonstrated to me the theatricality of cuisine, and I ate escargot in the Spanish Quarter one sweltering hot afternoon, after a long morning of touring the vast and vibrant city. In the same city on the Fourth of July (how American?!), our group ate at a restaurant that was cave-like in setting, and the appetizers and salad consisted of a large basket of cheese, cured meat, lettuce, and vegetables, with a knife so that every guest could take whatever they please, and pass the basket on to their neighbor.

In Interlaken, nestled between two crystal-blue glacial lakes, I learned that I have somewhat of disdain for white pepper, especially on my eggs.

A day later, (and one wicked Swiss hangover later), in Bruges, sitting underneath a centuries-old castle, I ate authentic Belgian waffles, with crisp, sweet strawberries, and the seemingly airiest whipped cream on Earth. Also, I became aware of their hip-as-could-be street vendors who almost exclusively sell potato fries– something oft attributed to the French, but originated in Belgium.

Finally, in England, I had pub food for the first time after crossing the English Channel into Canterbury, and was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Brits, with an elderly couple inviting us to sit along side them at their table in an otherwise full restaurant. On a day-trip to the Windsor Castle, I ate fish and chips, skin-on and bone-in, with probably the blandest coleslaw in all the land, and washed it down with a delicious blonde ale.

All in all, the experience taught me so much about myself, and about how different foods and cultures can be from place to place. My appreciation for the adventure of food grew exponentially. The gastronomy of a locale is what sticks out the most to someone who loves food. I felt, and still feel, so lucky and grateful to be able to create these memories. My trip to Europe was an incredible adventure that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Chef Daniel Perlof

 

On a lark with Chef Kyle Powers at Isles Interiors | Inspiring Design in Newport Beach, California

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
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Four Course Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers of Fork In the Road Catering and Wine Pairing by  wine aficionado Tyler Rodriguez

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Meet Mixologist Brad Fry of Michael’s in Naples, California

We love getting to know Brad Fry whose sense of style harkens back to his days in Chicago. An energetic and fun bar manager for Michaels Restaurant Group, he is an active member in the United States Bartenders Guild and has participated in numerous cocktail competitions —one in which he represented the West Coast at World Class in 2016. Come, pull up a chair, stay awhile…

Q, How you got started behind the bar – and what captivated you?

A. Like most bartenders, I started as a server, and once of age, was offered to move up to a bartender.  I’d say luck, and being in the right place/ right time have been the story of my success. I was very fortunate to be hired to co-run Bernard’s Bar, in what was the Elysian Hotel (now the Waldorf Astoria in downtown Chicago). Above our bar was Ria, a 2 Star Michelin rated restaurant, which we did the cocktails for. It was elevating my passion for food, and play in cocktails, that addicted me to the industry of service.

Q. Traditions…?

A. Keeping my tools and bar clean.

Q. Your philosophy…?

A. Prep, and set myself for success. Play like a child!

Q. Anything that comes to mind?

A. I’m honored to pair my cocktails and wine with these three amazingly talented chefs!

On a lark with Mixologist Brad Fry
On a lark with Mixologist Brad Fry

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Meet Chef Benjamin Martinek | Laguna Beach, California

Chef Benjamin Martinek grew up in Colorado and had a family that (fortunately) loved both travel and food.  As a person of both adventure and discipline, he began his professional relationship with food, working in a restaurant, at the age of 11 – moving on to the kitchen at age 16. Fittingly this explorer made his way to California to attend culinary school in San Francisco. Here he grew his talents at fine dining establishments — and proudly became a husband & father. Now, as a family, they continue the tradition of embracing both travel and food. Calling Southern California home for over a decade, Benjamin practices his craft in the challenging and rewarding luxury resort kitchens along the coast.

If we could use three words to describe Benjamin, it would be responsible, thoughtful, and creative.  We can’t wait to see what magic comes from our lark on 1/8/18 in Seal Beach –which, as of today, sold out; however you are welcome to come along though our stories and imagery.

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Meet Chef Jared Ventura | Naples, California

Through a connection of friends, food and larks –– we meet Chef Jared Ventura. Our first understanding is how much he loves food, but it was not long before we realized he is bursting with ideas and enthusiasm for creating and connecting. We are super stoked to have this opportunity to collaborate with him on lark #34 and we whole heartedly credit Chef Jared’s passion for making it happen. Here’s a bit of Q&A to get to know him better, but of course, he will be front and center on Monday 1/8/18 . Come on a lark with us!

Q. Which living food-related person do you most admire?
A. Thomas Keller will always be a hero of mine.

Q. What is the quality you most like in a chef?
A. Restraint, balance, and creativity.

Q. Where would you most like to live?
A. Anywhere on a farm with great weather.

Q. What early experience(s) lead to you becoming a chef?
A. My grandparents cooking. They were from Sicily and I grew up making and eating fresh pastas, sausages, fresh breads, braised chicken and much more. My dad is also very into food and I grew up with him cooking every night making a lot of French dishes (though he is Sicilian). It was extremely rare for us to go out to eat; going out to eat was going to another family members house.

Q. What is your most treasured ingredient?
A. I love me some good French butter.

Q. Who are your favorite culinary inspirations?
A. Matthew Kirkley formerly of Coi Restaurant where I had one of the best meals of my life.

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Lark #33 w/Chef Kyle Powers @ Maia’s Cottage in Laguna Beach, California

We had an amazing lark at Maia’s 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.  Maia’s Cottage calm French Provincial vibe could not have been more perfect – 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.

Much gratitude to all who came together (Our adventurous, gregarious, gracious guests, Haskell ,The Urban SpringLuna ReeceTypebird Creative , Dot & Armythe Weathered Captain  & Jaxsea) to make this a lark to remember. Many thanks to Bruce, Maia & Tess for welcoming us into their dreamy and beautiful home!

SoCal Communal Dining, California style.

Simple. Refreshing. Inspirational.

Photos by the talented James Huddleston https://happyhuddphoto.com/surf/

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