Q+A with Lindsey Goldberg of Herron House | Costa Mesa, CA

We met Lindsey Goldberg outside her gallery on our way to a lark the well styled atelier & marketplace of always fashionable designer Laura Brophy known as Brophy Market—Herron House, their new neighbor, is literally steps away. 

Entering the gallery you are greeted by bold, vibrant, powerful art curated with uplifting affect. Always and forever curious, we took a dive below the surface and invite you along through these Proust inspired dinner party questions:

Lindsey Goldberg captured by @lastyoni

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I grew up in Irvine, California, and now live in Newport Beach with my husband Yoni, our two boys—Jude (5) and Leo (3) and our dog Maverick. 

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Surfing with my sister on Thanksgiving morning. In high school, we made it a tradition no matter the weather, we’d head to Bolsa Chica with punk rock anthems from Yellowcard and The Ataris blaring in the car. It was our ritual, and those memories are etched into my heart.

Is there a moment in your youth that, looking back, inspired you to become an Art Advisor?

Looking back, there were early hints that I had a connection to the arts—one of my childhood paintings was even selected for the Laguna Festival of the Arts in 1st grade. But as a kid, I ended up channeling most of my energy into sports.

 A pivotal moment came much later, when my husband gifted me a vibrant abstract painting that reminded me of my late sister. It was alive with color and energy, and somehow it, to me, captured her joyful spirit. The emotion it stirred made me realize how powerful living with art could be. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that painting would become the catalyst for everything that followed. It opened my eyes to the power of living with art—how it can hold memory, emotion, and connection all at once.

My grandparents also played a role. They were artists and adventurers at heart—always traveling, always creating. Their curiosity and expressive way of living left a lasting impression on me. 

Why the name Herron House?

“Herron” is my maiden name, so the name Herron House carries a personal legacy. But more than that, it reflects the heart of what I wanted to create—a space that feels inviting, while highlighting art.

Herron House was born out of a desire for something I felt was missing in the way I experienced art. I wanted more than pristine white walls and perfect lighting. I longed for something more intimate, more alive—something that invited genuine connection.

Creating Herron House wasn’t just about launching an art advisory or gallery; it was about building a place that feels personal, contextual and welcoming. A space that says: Come in. Sit down. Stay awhile. Let the art speak to you.

Any fun/funny early day stories to share about becoming an Art Advisor?

There was definitely an aha moment when I realized I wanted to be an Art Advisor. I had considered interior design, but art felt more personal, more meaningful. 

What perspectives or unique understandings have been gained from being immersed in Art?

Art has taught me to look and then look again. It’s really changed how I move through the world. It’s also helped me trust my intuition more, because it lets me tap into different emotions and get a little lost, while still feeling really present.

One of my favorite quotes is from Twyla Tharp: ā€œArt is the only way to run away without leaving home.ā€

What is it that you most want people to know about collecting art?

Collecting art isn’t about chasing trends or finding something that matches your decor. It’s about connection. The most meaningful collections are built over time, piece by piece, through instinct, emotion, and personal resonance.

What is your most treasured possession?

The Graham Residence. It holds a central place in our lives. We feel incredibly lucky to have found it—and we have no intention of ever letting it go. It’s where Herron House first took root, and today it serves as a seasonal artist residency and a place we open to others through short-term stays.

There’s something about the land itself that’s hard to put into words. The quiet, the shifting light, the ancient boulders—it invites presence. We often see hummingbirds, coyotes, and the desert’s native plant life all around us. It’s not just a beautiful space; it’s a place that offers perspective. Every time we return, we feel re-centered.

The Graham Residence captured by @lastyoni

How do you describe Joshua Tree to people who have never been?

Joshua Tree feels otherworldly. The stillness, the light, the vast open sky—it expands something in you. It’s a landscape that invites both awe and introspection, like stepping into a dream that somehow roots you more deeply in the present.

At its core, being there makes you feel like a kid again. It’s nature’s greatest playground—wild, raw, and full of wonder. Every time I’m there, I’m reminded how much beauty there is in simply slowing down and looking around.

What are your most marked characteristics?

Curious, intuitive, warm. I’m a natural connector—I love creating space for people to feel inspired, seen, and lit up by beauty.

Are you the chef at home?

Not exactly—I’m more the gatherer and the mood-setter. I love setting the tone with good music, a well-dressed table, and beautiful ingredients.

If so, what is your most prized ingredient?

Farmers market everything! There’s nothing better than ingredients that are fresh, local, and full of life.

If you could dine with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

Right now, I’d say Niki de Saint Phalle. She was a fearless artist and an early feminist voice—bold, visionary, and totally unafraid to break rules. Her life story is just as compelling as her work, and I imagine a dinner with her would be equal parts wild, inspiring, and unforgettable.

What is your idea of happiness?

Tapping into my inner child. I feel most alive in the small, pure moments with my boys—watching them light up with wonder or burst out laughing in delight. That’s it, right there.

If you could enjoy another profession, what would it be?

This is it! Herron House was my leap into the dream profession. Curating, connecting, working with artists and collectors—I’m in it for life.

Lindsey Goldberg captured by @lastyoni

Who are your heroes in real life?

My husband, Yoni—our partnership is the foundation of everything we’ve built. His steadiness and support ground me and fuel the entire vision behind Herron House.

And a teacher from my senior year of high school who showed up for me in a way I’ll never forget. When my sister died, I was completely lost. She supported me without question and gave me a sense of stability and strength during the hardest chapter of my life. We’re still close to this day.

Have you watched or read anything interesting/inspiring lately?

Yes—Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee really stayed with me. It explores the surprising ways that color, shape, and design can spark joy in our lives, not in a superficial sense, but in a deeply human one. It reminded me how much our surroundings impact our emotional well-being—and how intentional, joyful design can be a quiet but powerful act of care. It made me think differently about the spaces I create and the art I live with.

ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…

It’s always about the people you meet along the way! We are thrilled to create + collaborate with Lindsey on our upcoming lark pop-up communal dinner party, Thursday, June 6, 2025, w/the talented Chef Alex Bolar.

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us!

Open invite. Limited seats.

Q+A with Lawrence Fodor & John Rochester | DTLA, CA

We are thrilled to create, collaborate  and elevate with the inspirational Photographer + Painter Lawrence Fodor & his charismatic husband John Rochester. Soon we’ll be gathering around the communal table, once again, in their 1908 Artist Loft amongst the vibrant energy of DTLA. The beauty of lark is that we can easily invite you along through our images & stories. Take a dive below the surface with the following Proust inspired questionnaire with our hosts.

Note from Lawrence: John was super busy traveling for work this past week, so in the name of efficiency and timeliness, I improvised for him. After almost 30 years together, I should be able to answer most of these questions for him! If not, something is definitely wrong!

compliments Lawrence Fodor

Where did you each grow up and where do you live now? 

LF: I grew up in Southern California, while John grew up in Northern New Mexico. We now live and work both in Los Angeles, and Santa Fe, New Mexico—where we both have roots and deep connections. 

What is your favorite childhood memory? 

LF: Hmmm…. tough! Rickie Lee Jones said something to the effect of how the traumatic events in our lives creates more indelible marks on our psyche than the good stuff, and I totally agree. Perhaps discovering Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings in a book in my aunt’s home… or getting my first camera? Which did not happen without its share of drama! For John, maybe getting his first horse. He grew on an Arabian horse farm.Ā Ā 

We feel like you put a lot of thought into how you live your lives both careful & carefree. 

LF: We both work hard so that we can play hard—like taking six-week trips traveling through France, Italy, and Spain visiting museums, discovering incredible places to stay, walking cities, hiking through magnificent natural environments, and the most important part: finding new amazing bottles of rosĆ© to drink every day. My strong suit is intuition, John’s is intellectual, and while our work couldn’t be more different, (he works in the financial world), our play, which is primarily travel, is a total collaboration of spontaneous discovery within a loosely structured itinerary providing plenty of room for improvisation. 

Is there a moment you can pinpoint that inspired your lifestyle in your youth? 

LF: Complicated question for me! Parts of my childhood were quite rough, but my parents were super supportive of my need to find a way to express myself through the visual arts, so they provided me with art supplies, cameras, and film whenever I asked for them—which was all the time! Art was my salvation, something I could disappear into, my safe place, and I think they realized that from the beginning.

I know John intended to be a Vet, but took an accounting/ranch management class in college and was hooked into the financial management world. 

When we met, we were leading very different lives, but over the years we’ve influenced each other for sure. I’ve loosened up his style and he’s tightened up mine!

Where do you find inspiration?

LF: Nature, museums, the perspective through which I view the world and life, digging into the deeply personal to discover the universal, and my family. And John: cooking, gardening, and reading for sure! It is his obsession—when he is not working. 

What words do you use to describe L.A. to people in Santa Fe?

LF: L.A. is a city of stark contrasts. It is scattered, divided, and dispersed, grey, congested, active, diverse, buzzing, loud, frustrating, and harsh, but stimulating, busy, fun, and can be incredibly beautiful at times. It is good to have some ā€œedgeā€ in my life—keeps me on my toes.

What words do you use to describe Santa Fe to people in L.A.? 

LF: Clear, clean, wild, spacious, dynamic, green in summer, brown and white in winter, community oriented, and super friendly. The city sits on a bed of quartz, so healing is a big deal there, but it is harsh too. Santa Fe forces one to deal with their shit, or it spits you out.Ā Ā 

What perspectives or unique understandings have been gained from living in an Artist Loft? 

LF: Acquiring this specific space was intentional. A live/work space was crucial for a ā€œsecond homeā€ eliminating the need for a separate studio. I wake up and look at my work and the last thing I do before I go to sleep is look at my work. I am always looking, finding, and attempting to really see that which wants to reveal itself through my work. My life is my work, and my work is my life, so having an incredibly supportive partner that is thoroughly on board for this kind of live/work loft space/situation has been as important as anything. 

Who is the chef at home?

LF: John for sure! He went to Culinary Art Institute to study cooking, almost became a chef himself, so he knows what he is doing in a kitchen, much more so than do I. I’m a hack… I can get by, but nothing that is beyond basic and simple. Ask me for chicken tacos, ask John for miso glazed Chilean Sea Bass.

What is your most prized ingredient?

LF: Pomegranate seeds. Love them! I could put them in any dish. And for John, probably too many to choose just one—but he loves herbaceous ingredients. 

If you could dine with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? 

LF: Michelangelo Buonarroti, for sure. For John, I would guess Charles Dickens, it’s that literary thing. 

What is the best thing about dinner parties? 

LF: Both John and I love engaging in a lively conversation while sharing a great meal, meeting new people, learning new things, and all the while drinking a bottle or two of a really great rosĆ©. 

What is your idea of happiness? 

LF: Again, super complicated. Waking up every morning and being able to pursue what I most love to do: painting, gardening, traveling, swimming, long walk/runs with our Aussie Shepherd, and for John – I’m going to say hanging out on a sofa or hammock reading. And maybe cooking a great meal. Oh, traveling, for fun, too!

What are your most marked characteristics?

LF: Hmmm… I’m not going to touch this one… 

If you could enjoy another profession, what would it be?

LF: Architecture, definitely. I studied it in college, did architectural drafting to get by when I first moved to Santa Fe, designed a remodel for our house and studio in Santa Fe, and think all the time about designing and building a new place there.

John would be a chef—that I know. 

Have you watched or read anything interesting lately? 

LF: I’m listening to Rickie Lee Jones read her autobiography, Last Chance Texaco. It is remarkably poignant, engaging, scary, sad, hilarious, brilliantly honest, tragic, happy, and sweetly touching. She reveals herself through sharing her emotional motivations for her music, her story telling, her characters, and all the decisions in living her life to the fullest. No excuses. No regrets. And it is a miracle she survived it all! She is my hero! And for John, he reads non-stop, so probably best to ask him that at dinner!

Films: the Conclave. It is relevant, timely, and very well-acted, and my life was headed in that direction at one time. While I’m definitely no longer a practicing Catholic, the ritual and secrecy are utterly compelling—but not the dogma, herd mentality, the ā€œhookā€, nor the conservative base. 

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We always say this, but it is true—it’s always about he people you meet along the way! We can’t wait to share some great food & a glass of great rose as the connections + conversations unfold at the communal table.

Join us for lark 79—Friday 5/16/24—as we gather around the communal table at the
1908 Artist Loft of Lawrence Fodor & John Rochester in DTLA w/the talented
Chef Kyle Powers.

Here we’ll enjoy welcome drinks + mingling, soak up the creative vibes (& rooftop views ), share a curated dining experience. and—best of all—partake in the (rediscovered) art of conversation.

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us! 

Purchase Tickets: Let’s Go On A Lark! 

Open invite. Limited seats. 

Q+A with Artist Cyndi Finkle | Hollywood, CA

The most beautiful thing about Cyndi Finkle (and you have to say her full name) is the way she moves through the world. She is not a woman afraid to take up space. Rightfully enjoying all that is hers and inviting others into her world at play. How amazing is it that we can easily invite you on our adventure through these Proust inspired dinner party questions? Enjoy!

Cyndi Finkle captured by Christine Harris

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?  

I grew up in up in Burbank, California! My ancestors came here in 1848 and I am a 6th generation California girl. 

I currently live in a loft in Hollywood.

Is there a moment you can pinpoint that inspired you about art/design/lifestyle in your youth? 

When I was a sophomore in college, I studied abroad in London and traveled all over Europe. This set the trajectory for how I wanted to live my life, eat, travel, explore, expand, and surround myself with art, good food, and culture. 

We know you love to travel, how do you choose your destinations? 

I have an ongoing list of places I want to travel to. I spent a month in Greece when I was 19 years old and it has been calling me back so I expect to get back there soon. In the past few years I have been to Thailand, Bali, Norway, Mexico, and New Zealand. I am dying to get to Japan!

We introduce you as a Performance Artist, was this intentional or was it realized? 

It was absolutely realized. I started doing this 365 headstand project during lockdown and was planning to create a coffee table book. It was my daughter who told me to up-level the project and told me what I was doing was performance art. She encouraged me to find better locations and create collaborations with other artists. Thinking of doing headstands as a performance artist gave me courage to embody my mission without the confines of worrying about being in anybody’s way .

What is the most interesting location / outfit / story? This can be answered in three parts! 

On my 53rd birthday, I went to the Brooklyn Bridge (my favorite place in NY) at 5:30 in the morning and it was 53 degrees out. I stripped down to a gold bikini and gold heels to photograph a headstand at sunrise on the mostly empty bridge. 

Compliments of Cyndi Finkle

This gold bikini and gold heels have become a staple in my travels, headstands, and costumes!

Another epic accomplishment was doing a headstand on a surfboard in the ocean in Mexico and South Africa. 

What perspectives were achieved from committing to this practice for 365 days?  Can you take us through some motions/highlights? 

Having an ongoing inspired project ignited creativity and resourcefulness in that I learned apps, set up a photo studio in my loft for 3 months, and was always on the lookout for a potential location!

About 6 months in, I hit a wall of creativity where I was afraid I had run out of ideas and wondered how I was going to accomplish another 6 months of art. So I started brainstorming and had this vision of an actual (cattle) brand.Ā 

I sent a photo to a company and they created an actual headstand branding iron that I use on steaks, breads, leathers, and bamboo plates. 

After that, the ideas started flowing again and I was taught that sometimes it is good to step back and envision the bigger picture or to dive in to the meaning to find direction to keep going:

Your daughter is an artist how did you nourish her talent? 

She starting drawing and painting when she was really little. She took art classes at a studio and when that studio came up for sale, I bought it and opened a second studio. 

She took classes there, taught there, and ultimately became a mentor for a 12 year old girl in NY who was working on a portfolio. 

She got her degree from NYU in Collaborative Arts and then began doing artist residencies around the world. She is currently creating a body of work and paints daily. 

Check out her Instagram @sullycmultiverse

Where did you love for food come from? 

When I lived in NY in my 20’s, a group of us did these Sunday night dinners. I loved feeding people, exploring recipes, and gathering. I continued the Sunday night dinners in Los Angeles hosting dinners for 50 people every six weeks. People who came to those dinners, told me I could do it professionally. I started my catering and craft services company in 1997 and built it for 17 years. I opened my cafe in 2012 and sold Sunday night dinner in 2014. I love hosting brunches and dinners regularly.

Can you tell us about your magic pot? 

My magic pot is a cast iron Dutch oven that belonged to my great grandmother. Everything I make in it turns out perfect-pot roast, chicken, vegetables. 

If you could dine with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? 

Anthony Bourdain

What is your idea of happiness? 

A peaceful life with good food, books to read, amazing people in my orbit, and freedom to travel and explore. 

Have you watched or read anything interesting lately? 

I loved the book by Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol on the making of their new album The Forest Is The Path. He talks about losing his father and how grief ultimately gave him back his inspiration for song writing and performing. He seems to have forged a healing path through his music.

Do you have an opinion trio of gals traveling together on The White Lotus (if you saw it!).

I loved them. I know them. I truly appreciated how in the end, theirs was the happy ending instead of magnifying their differences, their history, love, and individuality is what makes their friendship special and long lasting.

What’s next on the horizon?

Outside the window of my loft is a big construction pit where they plan to build an 3 story office building. Over the past 5 years, they have torn down buildings, dug a put, constructed a parking structure ( which blocked my view of the Hollywood sign) and now abandoned the project. A few months ago, I planted wildflowers and sunflower seeds in the piles of dirt, cement, and rubble. They are blooming and growing and I can’t wait to do a headstand out there with sunflowers, graffiti, dirt, and gumption. 

Thank you for opening your doors to lark! We are honored to collaborate with you and share your story! We can’t wait to see what conversations unfold at the communal table.

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. 

Come on a lark with us! 

Sunday, April 27, 2025, 5:30pm-8:30pm
$189. per person, all-inclusive good vibes
+ four course meal & wine pairing

Purchase Tickets: Let’s Go On A Lark!
(non-refundable/absolutely transferrable)

✚  ✚  ✚ Menu By Chef Matthew Roberts of True North Social Club āœš  ✚  ✚

Welcome Drinks by Eric Kassel & Chef’s Whim Snacks

Beet Cured Mt. Lassen Trout
beet gazpacho | rhubarb | creme fraiche 
paired w/2023 Craft Works Pinot Grigio

A Salad of Favas & Peas
tendrils & leaves | fresh ricotta | preserved meyer lemon | cacao dukkah
+ paired w/2023 Rider Estates Sauvignon Blanc

Wild Mushroom Polenta
piƱon salsa macha | stepladder creamery aged cabrillo
+ paired w/2018 Yount Mill House Pinot Noir

Strawberry & Guajillo Empanada
cajeta | smoked sea salt
+ paired w/2025 Wilsons Organic Cold Brew Coffee

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Open invite. Limited seats. 

Q+A with Designer Laura Brophy | Costa Mesa, CA

When you’re an entrepreneur you can easily find solace and support in another. For this, and because she has been on a few larks of her own, we are thrilled to collaborate with Designer Laura Brophy . We queued up these fun dinner party questions at share so that you can easily come along!

Image of Laura Brophy, compliments of @brophymarket

How do you introduce yourself? 

Hi, I am Laura it’s so great to meet you. I’m obsessed with what you do.

Is there a continuum between your business and personal life?  

Very very connected. Life, design & clients? Integrated – all of it! 

Where did you get your penchant for all things design?

As a kid I attended fashion shows with both of my parents. Then when just old enough work, I did an internship at an upholstery shop where I met my mentor Elaine. She was the one who noticed my enthusiasm for design and encouraged me to look into The Interior Design Institute in Newport Beach.  I started with their Certificate Program and then continued on to their 4 year program. 

What element of design do you feel makes the biggest impact on a space?

Lighting shapes everything. It adds soul, texture, and can keep you calm. 

What is a simplest / most overlooked thing anyone can do to improve the aesthetic of their home? 

Clutter. Edit. Clear your surfaces!

What is your earliest memory of impacting design?

Upholstery can transform objects. You don’t have to throw things away. You can make things generational. 

What was your first job, does anything you experienced there apply today?  

My first job was working at TOGO’s, I am a good sandwich maker! 

What led to you interest in fashion?

It’s fun how to see how people express themselves. You can tell a person’s personality by what they wear. With interior design, I see rooms the way people see outfits.Ā 

If you could have any other profession, what would it be? 

A high-end Dog Walker. Dogs are always happy to see you & love you all the time. 

We know you like to gather, where did this idea to host resonate? 

The environment & the energy. It’s a beautiful thing to bring people together. I crave that. 

How did you hear about lark? 

Word of mouth, back in the day. I was shopping for a client when I was pulled aside and told this was something that might interest me. The story begins there. 

Do you have a favorite lark memory?

What makes a lark so cool is that each one is a little different. 

And the guerrilla lark at Pirates Cove was so fun, we were delighted when the tide came in! 

image captured by The Delauras

Any travel coming up?

Yes, Poland to visit Graff and then Spain with Cosentino… and  FIVE unknown unfolding days in-between! 

Do you have an example on how travel has impacted your design?

Travel always awakens my senses. 

Think of plaster on the walls, the use of tiles and natural light filtering in. 

It’s about the feeling…paying attention to what makes you feel good, then figuring out how to recreate that feeling. 

Why scallops (the design aesthetic)? 

I think there is some whimsy to scallops and it feels historical. It’s a classic detail that makes you happy—it’s a bunch of happy faces. 

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us!

Friday 3/28/25 at Laura’s well styled marketplace + atelier known as Brophy Market w/the talented Chef Kyle Powers in West Side Costa Mesa!

Join us for welcome drinks + mingling, be inspired by the gorgeous environs, share a curated dining experience. and—best of all—partake in the (rediscovered) art of conversation.

Brophy Market
1727 Superior Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(17th Street x Superior/Newport Beach Blvd.)

Hop over to our main page for more details!

Sign up for our email list to be first-to-know about our larks!

Q+A with Maker Jan McCarthy | Newport Beach, CA

@by_christineharris

We are thrilled to share this Q + A with Friend / Creative / Artist & Maker Jan McCarthy who we met through a fellow creative (on a lark). Jan is buzzing with a million fun + creative ideas that she puts into action one way or another whether it be product, activity, art, or an amazing adventure—and you are bound to be as captivated and excited about as she is. Come along on our adventure as we take a dive ā€œbelow the surfaceā€ with these Proust inspired dinner party questions:Ā 

We love your drive, energy, and ideas! Is this all yours OR a family trait?   

We can’t help but be influenced by family traits, but I think it also comes as a natural response to curiosity, exploration, adventure and the constant desire to form community and enjoy life. 

In a world that can be challenging, how do you continue to nurture your curiosity? 

Challenges encourages curiosity. Life unfolding raises the bar to seek a deeper meaning or take things to a higher level. 

You describe yourself as a maker rather than an artist, what is the story behind that statement? 

Maker encompasses everything and that is me. I’m not content to just paint or attach myself to just one discipline. I am drawn to creative expression in any form which could be paintings but fashion, design, style, food, drink, or travel always have a place in my creative expression which is one reason why I instantly gravitated toward LARK dinners. I saw the maker of Lisa (the founder) in her element as she created this social gathering around food, drink and conversation and allowing others to shine and share their creative talents. 

What current project(s) are you currently working on?  

Planning a couple of retreats, workshops, pottery, a book, fashion………

What projects are you dreaming of? 

I would love to do more licensing or collaborations around dinnerware, (plates and coffee cups come to mind), jewelry (I’m working on some pottery bracelets, and/or fashion – I would love to design some really creative pieces that elevate the vibrant woman past 50 that feels fashion is only designed for the younger crowd.

Who or what inspires you? 

It sounds a little clichĆ© but everyone and everything inspires me in some form. It could be the textured walls in Guatemala, the shimmering blue waters of the ocean here in Newport Beach, the faces of people I see that hold such incredible expression, the sticks I collect from all over the world to make handcrafted paint brushes, the architectural details I find on old buildings, colors in nature when I walk in the forest, stories I hear or explore from my own memories, the presentation of delicious food, conversations around a dinner table, and quotes I’ve heard or made up on my own.Ā 

What is your most memorable dining experience? 

All LARK dinners hold a special place in my heart, and a few other communal artistic dinners Iā€˜ve had the opportunity to join or host but there is this one place in Ibizia, and I can’t even tell you the name, but the food was so fresh and delicious, and it felt like home. The chef prepared our meal, came and sat with us and told us all about the source and inspiration, gave us tastes of wine that he personally selected….

Since you love to connect over food & wine, are you the chef at home? 

Yes, but I rarely cook these days. There are so many wonderful ways to dine and enjoy the talents of others, (like going to a LARK dinner hehe). 

If so, what is your most treasured ingredient and/or favorite dish? 

Hmmmm, I always have  lemon, rosemary, a great salt and fabulous olive oil on hand. 

Favorite dish: Spaghetti Al Limone with fresh hot sourdough bread with olive oil and salt and a bottle of orange wine, and I’m good.

If you could dine with anyone in the world, who would it be? 

It all comes back to treasured friends and family, interesting and creative people. Anyone famous might just disappoint me so I would rather keep my potential unrealistic vision of who they are remain intact.Ā 

We know you’re an avid reader, any new or favorite books to share? 

Well, I DO love books! If you are joining us for this special LARK dinner, I will happily share my most favorite 23 books that have greatly influenced my life, inspired a million ideas or left me craving more. 

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Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us!

Here we will enjoy drinks + mingling, breathe in the cool ocean air, share an amazing curated dining experience…and, best of all, partake in the (rediscovered) art of conversation.

Jan McCarthy
Address shared upon RSVP
Newport Beach, CA
(W. Balboa Blvd/38th Street)

Friday August 23 2024
6:30pm-9:30pm
$175. per person, all-inclusive
four course + wine pairing 

Purchase Tickets: Let’s Go On A Lark!
(non-refundable / absolutely transferable)

  ✚  ✚  ✚

Welcome Cocktails by mixologist Eric Kassel
Menu by the talented Chef Kyle Powers +
Sous Chef Bryan Barnes

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Open invite. Limited seats. Endless possibilities. 

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 ā€œAngeā€: 

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 ā€˜24 collection while currently designing for Spring ā€˜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!

Q & A with Zachery Mundt of Costa Mesa’s event “Jewel Box” known as The Shindy

We are excited to introduce Zack Mundt whose talent + love for design to breathe new life into a storied WWII bungalow in West Side Costa Mesa. You cannot walk into the space without feeling a bolt of celebratory energy & happiness. Everything from the textured wallpaper to the colorful floor tiles is a delight. We love what you have done with the place–and we have so many questions for you!Ā 

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Spearfish, South Dakota and spent most of my time outside in the Black Hills. 

Did you have a love of design as a child? As a child I didn’t really know that design was even a thing. Most everything around me was generally based on function rather than fashion. I definitely had a deep love of building things – tree houses, skateboard ramps, random things made of wood, and always loved the old wood structures – barns, root cellars, etc – that were in the fields behind my house and were left by the homesteaders and other early inhabitants of the area. 

You are close with designers in the commercial/hospitality world, what are some of your favorite projects? Oh my – there are so many… My favorite place to go and stay and eat is the Chiltern Firehouse in London. The hotel itself is absolutely gorgeous. They have this amazing balance of true, rich, luxury in their finishes and fixtures, and there are a ton of plants and flowers that really balance it out and make it feel welcoming and calming. The service is absolutely top notch, which is vital for a complete experience.  I’m working on the Magnolia Hotel in Waco TX right now and am so excited!! This one is more about bragging rights with my family šŸ™‚  Everyone loves Chip and Joanna and this one gives me a little street cred since a lot of what we do in my world is unknown to the average person. 

What is it that catches your eye (or heart) about a product/design element? When something is absolutely beautiful, or unique, or completely strange and eye catching, but still functions perfectly for a particular purpose – I love that. I also love multi-colored stripes… I cant wear them, and they don’t usually fit in our home etc, but I just love it visually – definitely brings me joy. 

What led you to create The Shindy? During the pandemic, our wonderful neighbor restaurant, Trenta, expanded into the parking lot in front of our office space. People kept looking in and then some started asking if they could rent it out for a party. At first we said no, but then, Leilah, my wife and partner in The Shindy, pitched the idea that we hire a designer and create a small, beautifully curated, event space. We then sourced as much as we could from manufacturers that I represent so I can use the space for design meetings, presentations, etc as well. 

We know some of your favorite restaurants are Bavel and Bestia? Do you feel they may have informed the look/feel of The Shindy—in what way? The look of Bavel and Bestia are entirely their own and The Shindy is in quite a different direction. Something that is certainly reminiscent of those amazing establishments is the care and detail in how they present their product to the world. When you’re there you can feel that it is absolutely necessary that each bite is just right, and we strive to provide that with the experience we provide at The Shindy. 

Are you the chef at home? We’re actually a home full of home chefs!! Leilah, Willa (our 12 year old) and I all love to cook and create and eat delicious things. That said, I do quite a bit of the cooking. It is a time for me to decompress and unwind at the end of the day, or a great cathartic project to create something larger on a weekend.  I truly love the detail of cutting each ingredient to a specific size or shape so that each cooks to a specific texture or flavor or doneness – and when those pieces come together as a whole – it is truly magical. 

What is your most memorable meal–one you made or one you’ve had? Leilah and I went to Alinea in Chicago for our anniversary one year and it was absolutely incredible. Each dish is generally one bite, sometimes a couple, and truly mind blowing. The flavors and textures they create is unbelievable and the beauty of each is stunning. Each plate, eating utensil, etc is made specifically for that dish. It is like a gorgeous, miniature food circus, with the most amazing service. 

What is your most prized design element? I don’t know that I’ve got one yet….I more value my kitchen tools – my cast iron pans, my knives and kitchen shears, the tortilla press, things I use daily. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness for me would be a small farm with enough land to grow most of the food and livestock we eat, a beautiful farm house with two amazing kitchens – one indoor and one outdoor – and enough money to hire great people to help make sure it all runs smoothly. 

What is your greatest extravagance? Food – definitely. We love to go out to a great restaurant and truly enjoy it. 

If you could change one thing about how people enjoy food or design spaces, what would it be? I do think people could respect the places they’re in and the people who are working hard to provide them with a good experience. 

What do you most value about The Shindy and how to see its future? I love that The Shindy is used for people to get together – be it for a dinner, a baby or wedding shower, a graduation, a birthday – I love being around my friends and family and get recharged by doing so. I love it that we are able to provide a place for people to to just that. 

Who/What inspires you? Leilah and Willa inspire me daily. I’m inspired by almost anyone who decides they want something and then goes after it. Life is tough and sometimes it’s a challenge to get up and go but you’ve got to do it and you feel better once you get going. There’s beauty everywhere – I definitely take tiny moments and use them to inspire me, a hummingbird in the back yard in the morning, flowers in yard when we get in the car, laughing with my daughter on the way to school, a smile from another parent as we pull out of the parking lot… I tend to look for little moments of joy and keep them within to help through the day. 

What is your motto? “Keep swimming!ā€  Once again, it truly is all about the people you meet along the way!

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

Friday, June 16, 2023 6:30pm-9:30pm
$178. per person, all-inclusive
four course meal + wine pairing by
the talented Chef Kyle Powers + Sous Chef Bryan Barnes⚡️.

The Shindy
1663 Superior Avenue, Suite A
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(17th x Superior)

Purchase Tickets:

Let’s Go On A Lark!

Open invite. Limited seats.

Guerrilla Lark, Kihei, Maui – Fall 2022

Chef Daniel Perlof and The Golden M.D. on a guerrilla lark in Kihei, Maui, image captured by Anna Gokieli

Create + Collaborate + Elevate, on repeat.

Super fun (& delicious) times a guerrilla lark in Kihei, Maui, image captured by Anna Gokieli

Here we find our wandering selves on the gorgeous island of Maui with fellow larker (and now resident) Chef Daniel Perlof who curated a delicious menu for our gathering:

+ + + maui sunrise menu + + +

quiche florentine accompanied by Hi-Spice hot sauce

burrata, molokai purple sweet potatoes topped w/pumpkin spice crumble 

kielbasa sausage + tree fruits w/cranberry garnish

local cold brew coffee

earthy juice blend 

Super fun (& delicious) times a guerrilla lark in Kihei, Maui, image captured by Anna Gokieli

Images captured by photographer @annagokieli feature the people, places, & things that inspire and keep us moving forward.

Super fun (& delicious) times a guerrilla lark in Kihei, Maui, image captured by Anna Gokieli

#itcomesinwaves #alwaysonalark #guerrillalark #lark #intentional #creativesession #chefdanielperlof #menusubjecttochange #mastersofmakeshift #goodtimes #goodvibes #create #collaborate #elevate #cultivate #inspire #food #fashion #flowers #passion #hawaii #maui #kihei #fall2022

Earrings discovered at TRIBE on a day trip to the awesome and stylish mountain town of Makawoa
Having fun with the people and places that inspire us. Guerrilla lark, Kihei, Maui

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us!

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 + 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!