Q+A with Summer Meek | Doing All Things With Love in Laguna Beach, California

Charlie & Summer Meet at The Soul Project in Laguna Beach

We were fortunate to meet Summer Meek at The Soul Project which is her gorgeous retail + event space in Laguna Beach. It’s warm and inviting and comfortable. We attended her The New Girls Network gathering and were surrounded by supportive female entrepreneurs who had gathered to share their stories. Now, we’d like to share Summer’s story:

Q. Since you are a native, what are your favorite childhood memories of Laguna Beach? 

A. Some of my favorite memories are of course long days spent at the beach, exploring the tide pools, hiking the hills. And my parents were both early Sawdust Festival artists and I have a lot of memories of time spent there. I think thatā€™s where I caught my entrepreneurial spirit. Even then I had enterprising endeavors going on.

Q. We love how you ventured out to create + celebrate spaces that feel like home. Was this something you had always wanted to do?

A.  I have always believed in the energy of space. Itā€™s challenging to explain and sounds woo woo to talk about but it is my super power. I love creating experiences I am passionate about it and add love to everything I do.

Q. You’re cottage-esque space is so warm and inviting, do you know the history behind it? Any interesting stories?

A.  My understanding is in the early days of Laguna Beach artists would come and build their cottage, live in the back, create during the week and then open the doors on the weekend for tourists. Before I moved in, The Knitting Store habituated the space. But during one Art Walk a woman came and shared that she once lived in the back and had her art gallery in the front itā€“was probably 25 years prior to me opening. She brought me pictures it was so fun.

Q. You began your business through creating graphic Tees for artists (and still do), but you are also constantly growing, evolving and exploring. What is it that drives / pulls you? Any advice for others?

A. When I opened I really wanted to create a community space and have people come have an experience, itā€™s interesting because that was five years ago and now experience is trending. I just saw it as an organic way to cultivate a community of like minded individuals. I am a curious person and I love to learn and I am always seeking new information and love learning about people and love to incorporate that into what weā€™re doing at the store whether thatā€™s through product or new experimental offerings. Sometimes I meet these really an amazing people that I really want to work with because were aligned. Like when I met you.

Q. Your latest adventure, The New Girls Network has brought some exciting and energizing opportunities to your community. Where do you want (hope) it to lead?

A. We just celebrated a year since we started meeting, we meet the third Thursday of the month at The Soul Project, itā€™s a free networking event but itā€™s really more than that, itā€™s a place for woman entrepreneurs to gather in a supportive environment. Thereā€™s not posturing, you donā€™t have to be a certain kind of person and wear a certain outfit. You can show up as your authentic self. I don’t know where it will go and I donā€™t currently have plans to make it anything other than what it is. I have watched woman connect, make business happen, grow into an idea and bring it to life.

Q. It is fitting that The Soul Project is located in the revitalized “Hip District ” of Laguna Beach. Are there any behind the scene changes you are inspired by?

A. We have come together as a neighborhood and are really trying to breathe life into this part of town. We have some really amazing g retailers and new stores opening. I feell we are becoming the new Abbot Kinney.

Q. Thank you for opening your doors to lark! We can’t wait to dine in your “landscapers” garden, under the stars–have you always been a foodie?

A. I have been a foodie most of my life. I remember one day asking to be driven to the store so I could buy all the ingredients to make a chocolate cake from scratch. My mom asked how I knew to make it and I didnā€™t know, but I was inspired to try.

Q.  What is your most memorable dining experience?

A. There are so many itā€™s hard to pick just one. But the most recent one that comes to mind is a farm to table dinner put on by my friend and farmer at Blue Bird Canyon Farms in Laguna Beach. He works with a woman named Chef Jen Alvarez. It was the most beautiful setting, and the most delicious sustainable food. I could still describe every morsel I ate that night. There was also a very memorable drive up to a castle in Italy with a view to die for and a dinner that was some of the most delicious food.

Q. If you could dine with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?

A. Julia Child because she loved food, was cooky and zany, loved cocktails and didnā€™t seem to uptight. I had the pleasure of dining next to her not too long before she passed, that was most definitely one of my favorite star sightings.

Q, It’s an interesting and exciting time for female entrepreneurs – who are your current hero’s?

 A. Oprah Winfrey still impresses me on a regular basis and itā€™s inspiring how she has stayed true to her message and hasnā€™t seemed to sell out.  Gorjana Reidel is a local CEO that I have watched evolve her business and itā€™s really impressive.

Guerrilla Lark | Going Rogue in Laguna Beach, California

July 15th, 2019

Because we like to be intentional.

On a not so typical Monday afternoon we gathered a few of our favorite things (& people) from The Soul Project and adventured straight across PCH, down to the beach to enjoy delicious East Borough Bahn Mi sandwiches, refreshing Seabold Ginger Beer+ inspiring conversationsā€“all within a couple of hours of high tide!

We Are One Tee from The Soul Project on a super fun guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!
@prettynvintage tote from The Soul Project on a super fun guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!

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

A few of our favorite people enjoying food, drinks & conversation on a guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!

We always appreciate Luna Reece Ceramics who shared with us her latest rainbow designs, LOVE! You will always find her hand-made ceramics adorning our communal table. 

Luna Reece Ceramics spices things up on a super fun guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!

This time we also get to show off a gorgeous Moroccan rug sourced from our gal, Mary O’Dell, at happy_tapis.

happy tapas featured on a super fun guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!

Super thankful to Melissa Brown of Mat3.Photography for capturing this carefree beach vibe! Images captured at Bluebird Street in Laguna Beach.

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

Next lark communal dinner party will be Thursday 7/25/19 with the talented Chef Kyle Powers at The Soul Project in Laguna Beach!

Menu + Tickets :www.larkartisanmarket.com

Meet Lisa Martinez, Owner + Creator of Lark | Radiating Good Vibes in Huntington Beach, California

📸 by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at McGee&Co in East Side Costa Mesa!

In this image (but mostly in my mind) I am doing my best to channel the admirable Wes Anderson.

Hello! I am Lisa Martinez founder of lark and creator of well styled dinner parties, marketplaces and guerrilla larks here in Southern California.

There is an intersection of reasons I started lark, but at its core is a desire to recreate an experience that ā€œfed my soulā€.

It can only be described as good fortune to have been exposed to a truly collaborative and creative environment-in the world of Still Photography-where I felt whole, connected, and began to see beauty in everything.

Through much thought, writing and rewriting of business plans and endless conversations (anyone who might listen) I figured out a way to recreate this experience and share with others.

With lark, I (we) invite everyone to step into a “photograph”ā€”where you can be yourself, enjoy a glass of wine, be inspired by your surroundings and, best of all, partake in the rediscovered art of conversation.

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

Next lark 7/25/19 in the gorgeous garden of The SOUL Project in Laguna Beach!

+ + + + + 

Thursday, July 25, 2019
6:30pm-9:30pm
$125. per person, all-inclusive four course meal & wine pairing
by the talented Chef Kyle Powers 
Purchase Tickets*: 
Let’s Go On A Lark!
*Non-refundable/absolutely transferable

Lark x TReSs Apothecary x Chef Kyle Powers | Popping Up in Newport Beach, California

Friday, June 21, 2019

Vibrant is the best word to describe our evening of filled with conversation, delicious food & wine set amongst the hip + minimalistic vibes of @tressapothercary of Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. The feeling inside this gorgeous space gave everyone just enough room to be themselves.

Here we made new friends, gazed at the bay, took in the cool salty air and sat fireside to enjoy a most delicious menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers.

We cannot think of a better way to welcome the first day of summer and we are super grateful to all the beautiful people who came together–and all the lovely conversations that were had– to make this a lark to remember.

+ + + + +

Menu + Wine Pairing crafted by Chef Kyle Powers

Opening: w/cheese board + sparkling cocktail

Seated: 1/burrata w/mandarin oranges, sweet green olives, fruity olive oil, cherries, lemon rosemary toastā€¦.paired with rosĆ© 

2/shrimp + crab cake w/avocado mousse + black garlic vinaigretteā€¦.paired with viognier

3/smoked New York steak, cherry balsamic, potato, fennel, mushrooms * veggie option: vegan meatloaf, cherry balsamic, potato, fennel, mushroomsā€¦.paired with merlot

4/cookies + milk + chefs whim surpriseā€¦paired with organic cold brew coffee

+ + + + +

Images captured by the effervescent @kathryncolbyphotograhy

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

Tera Stephens + Lisa Martinez on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Ocean air + bay views enjoyed on a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Menu designed by artist @WesleyBird for a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
@FrenchBuckects rocks the florals on a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!

Our larks are always an “open invite” meaning if you hear about a lark – you are invited!

Next lark will be Thursday 7/25/19 w/Chef Kyle Powers at The Soul Project in Laguna Beach, be sure to check our landing page for updates!: Lark Artisan Market.

On a Cozy Winter lark at Coast Modern in Seal Beach, California

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.

MENU:
1/mac + cheese brƻlƩe
2/smoked heirloom tomato in clear tomato broth, micro greens, rosemary bread grilled cheese, truffle salt
3/smoked brisket w/braised collard greens, pickled black eyed peas, charred lemon grass + pistachio romesco {veggie option: sub brisket for smoked purple sweet potato boat}
4/pecan pie, mascarpone + goat cheese affogato

Special thanks to: @coastmodern, @lunareececeramics, @theurbanspring, @dperlof, writer + poet Nick Banning, @mymiddlenameisstarr, @housebeer & photographer MBMaher.com

On a super fun lark at Coast Modern in Seal Beach
On a super fun lark at Coast Modern in Seal Beach
Good (& delicious) times on a lark at Coast Modern in Sunset Beach
Super fun times on a lark at Coast Modern in Seal Beach
House Beer meets Natalie Martin on a super fun lark at Coast Modern
Menu illustrated by Emily Boelsems of @mymiddlenameisstarr + poem by Nick Banning

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

Coast Modern: Love By Design | Mid-Century Modern Blossoms in Seal Beach, California

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. 

Coast Modern

Q.. How do you know each other?

A.  We met while Bryce was designing a menā€™s 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 ā€œGood design for better livingā€.  

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. 

Link to trailer: Coast Modern Documentary

Q. What is your most memorable meal together?

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 Farmerā€™s 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. From Bryce:  To Keep it simple.

Q. What designer inspires you?

A. Bjarke Ingels for me (Cecilia) for Bryce:  Paul Smith , Craig Elwood + Alexander Girard

Q. What words or phrases to you over use? 

A. ā€œClear accounts, long friendshipsā€  though, Bryce says I use the ā€œFā€ 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. 

Bryce + Cecilia Cole of Coast Modern in Seal Beach


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.

Purchase Tickets: Let’s Go On A Lark!

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 AmericanaĀ Ā 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

MenuĀ crafted by the talentedĀ Chef Kyle PowersĀ ofĀ Fork In the Road CateringĀ and pair with wine from California basedĀ Waylan Wine Co.

1. pistachio + Ā 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. Ā *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.

+ + + + +

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

 

 

Lark + Cleobella + Chef Daniel Perlof | Making the Magic Happen in Sunset Beach, California

Lark #39 at the gorgeous Cleobella in Sunset Beach!

We can’t think of a better way to spend an warm and balmy August evening than breathing in the salt air and soaking up the good vibes of this gorgeous and fashionable space known as CLEOBELLA in Sunset Beach.

Thanks to all the adventurous people who gathered to make this a night of delicious food, wine, laughter and conversation. This was Chef Daniel Perlof’s lark debut – and he (and his sister) put all their love into the menu, which foundĀ its way to the communal table. Special thanks to Jim & Angela–and their amazing crew–of Cleobella, French Buckets, Andrea Luna Reece, The Urban Spring, Jaxsea, Southern Scribe, Kayleen Perlof, Mayson Hauck and Stephanie De La Riva of SDLRmedia.

We are so fortunate to have this free spirited opportunity share all things that we love with friends-old and new. We can’t wait to do it again!Ā 

Menu by the up and coming Chef Daniel Perlof:

1/Chilled spring pea soup, bacon, parmesan. Skewer of grilled mushroom, blistered grape tomato, smoked gouda. Hold the bacon for veggie option.

2/Slow roasted herbed lamb, sprouted quinoa with sliced almond and dried cranberries, crunchy green beans. Mushroom zucchini egg-white crustless quiche forĀ veggie option.

3/Semi-pickled garden salad. Cucumber, shallots, heirloom tomatoes, fennel, black olives, feta, partially pickled in lemon herb vinaigrette atop fresh baby spinach.

4/French toast sticks, buttery bacon date syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, mint sprig. Champagne.

Lark #39 at the gorgeous Cleobella in Sunset Beach!

Lisa Martinez + Jacquelyn Wallace on a lark at Cleobella in Sunset Beach!

Chef Daniel Perlof on a lark at Cleobella in Sunset Beach!

Practicing the art of conversation on a lark at Cleobella in Sunset Beach!

Lark #39 at the gorgeous Cleobella in Sunset Beach!

Lark #39 at the gorgeous Cleobella in Sunset Beach!

Organic. Modern. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us!

Next lark Friday, August 31st with the talented Chef Kyle Powers at our favorite designer playground in East Long Beach known as Urban Americana ~ good {& delicious} times ahead!

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

Let’s go on a lark!

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*:Ā Let’s Go On A Lark!
*Non-refundable/absolutelyĀ 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!

Because vision is everything…| Creating in Huntington Beach, California

We have walked through Pirate’sĀ Cove a hundred of timesĀ dreaming ofĀ a table on the sand, where we could enjoy food and conversation while getting our feet wet — in style;Ā we can’t express how bringing this to reality makes us feel. Ā Super big thanks to designerĀ Laura Brophy, photographer Kendal Riley ofĀ The De LaurasĀ & WesĀ (and Mike) ofĀ @theoclistĀ for being a part of this amazing experience to get our creative on, thank our collaborators and dream of the future.

Special thanks to Chef Kyle PowersĀ ofĀ Fork In the Road CateringĀ who created a flight of the most delicious flight of soups for all to enjoy and to @lunareececeramicsĀ +Ā @theurbanspringĀ +Ā @isles.interiors

Create. Collaborate. Elevate.
kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_141 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_128 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_005 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_002

kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_124 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_121 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_116 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_101 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_091 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_071 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_059 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_054 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_051 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_045 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_043 kendalriley_photography_larkunderground_piratescove_030