We had a beautiful and intimate gathering at the circa 1930’s farm-house-turned-fashion haven known as Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa.
A little mix & mingle captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at fashion haven Costa Cabana!
In this gorgeous and fashion buzzing bungalow we enjoyed welcome drinks + mingling leading up to an amazing chef crafted meal & @winc wine pairing by the master of makeshift Chef Kyle Powers …where each dish became an ode to the migrant farmers who came before us.
Over dinner, we exchanged stories about boating & the beautiful nearby island of Catalina (including talk of The Banning Family + Natalie Wood), the dreams + inspirations of a young coffee house entrepreneurs and adventures of those like-minded–who have intentionally been on a few larks of their own.
Throughout the evening our conversations were sprinkled through line of musings, evoking much laughter, that somehow built upon each other and never got old. It is amazing to see, and be a part of, the many evolving connections made at the communal dinner table.
Welcome to the prep! This is why we call Chef Kyle Powers the Master of Makeshift. We love being able to think outside the box. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana! Irresistible welcome charcuterie from which no one shies away….compliments of Chef Kyle Powers captured (so well) on a super fun lark by MBMaher.com at Costa Cabana! Laughs from the very beginning! Image captured by MB.Maher on a super fun lark at the super hip fashion haven known as Costa Cabana! E-V-E-R-B-O-D-Y!! We love the responses we got from this quote; simple + kind words can always set the mood! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana! Ladies who lark! We love when guest return with their friends! Super fun times on a lark at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa. Image captured by MBMaher.com This so carefully crafted + executed dish was amazing, thanks to Chef Kyle Powers for always rocking the delicious vibes! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana! Amazing southern grits w/braised oyster mushroom + romesco compliments of Chef Kyle Powers + thoroughly enjoyed on a lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by MBMaher.com Southern grits w/braised oyster mushroom + romesco compliments of Chef Kyle Powers + thoroughly enjoyed on a lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by MBMaher.com + guest!Thrilled to have created a platform to express what we are passionate about in life! Super fun times on a lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at the fashion haven at Costa Mesa! Chef Kyle Powers working his magic on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by Mitch Maher at MBMaher.com Daniel Perlof pours an end of season Ginger Beer cocktail thanks to our friends at @richelixiers ~ enjoyed on a super fun lark at fashion haven Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa. Image by MBMaher.com A simple gathering of the adventurous + curious!. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun (& delicious) lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at fashion haven Costa Cabana! Delicious grapes + crispy fennel salad w/herb goat cheese, pickled strawberry vinaigrette, mache rochette by Chef Kyle Powers enjoyed on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana! Amazing lamb chops crusted w/grains of paradise, dried fruit + green bean chutney + potato compliments of Chef Kyle Powers. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana!Daniel Perlof + Chef Kyle Powers cheers w/ 2017 Finke’s Sparkling White Blend (thanks to our friends at @winc)! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at Costa Cabana!
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
The moment before the guest arrive. Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
We started our late summer adventures at our favorite designer playground known as Urban Americana in Long Beach. Having popped-up at this unique location before, we knew we were in for a special evening. You cannot take a step inside this gorgeous vintage warehouse without being inspired by the timeless style of the past, while simultaneously dreaming of the future. This gentle pull + push lands you in a rare space we like to call the present moment.
It is such an honor to have Chris Geer, owner + creator of our favorite designer playground Urban Americana, embrace lark and open the doors to our curious & adventurous guests — and even more so to have him an his wife join us at the communal table.
Chris Geer (Urban Americana) + Lisa Martinez (Lark) on a lark at the super hip Urban Americana in Long Beach!
We spent the evening doing what we do best, creating good vibes, acquainting with friends old and new, delving into interesting conversations and sharing delicious food.
Stylist @maysonhauck always sets the good vibes! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
Our guests, ranging from designers to deep sea explorers to culinary lovers took to the lark with ease embracing the connections that come so naturally when immersed in such an inspirational setting.
Guest mingle amongst the cool mid-century + antique vibes of Urban Americana. Image captured by foodie, photographer + conversationalist: @mb.maher
Manuel, of Manuel The Band, kicked off the evening playing acoustic guitar and singing Casual Love while we mingled about sipping on local / vegan / sustainable 2017 Finke’s Sparkling White Blend hand selected by Billy O’Connell of @winc and poured with love by wine aficionado (+ yoga enthusiast) Tyler Rodriguez.
This is our seriously talented friend Manuel. He is in the band. @manueltheband check them out!
Chef Kyle Powers & Sous Chef Nelson Johnson created the most awesome looking makeshift kitchen from Urban Americana’s beautifully weathered industrial work bench sending the the first smells of crispy garlic + fried mushrooms into the air with innate and palpable enthusiasm.
Chef Kyle Powers + Nelson Johnson rocking the Makeshift Kitchen, California Style, at Urban Americana!Welcome to the prep! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach Guest settle in for an evening of food, wine & conversation.Image captured by @mb.maher at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
As this was lark #50, we took a moment to share-and be thankful for-our collaborative approach where we work should-to-shoulder to create these larks and all of the fulfillment that has come from doing what we love, especially the idea of recognizing and appreciating each other, our supporters, and the moment.
Tyler Rodriguez, Lisa Martinez, Kailee Walters, Daniel Perlof, Nelson Trey and Kyle Powers–on a lark!Steamed clams in dashi: crispy garlic. seaweed. watermelon radish. fried mushrooms compliments of Chef Kyle Powers.Tyler Rodriguez captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach Steamed clams in dashi: crispy garlic. seaweed. watermelon radish. fried mushrooms compliments of Chef Kyle Powers!Daniel Perlof on prep! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach Because we are in this together! Super fun times on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach. Image captured by @mb.maherFried reed avocado: crab. fried herbs. lemon chili aioli compliments of Chef Kyle Powers. So good! @kaileeinthekitchen captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach Super grateful to all the “yes” people in the room! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
How fortunate we feel to having our favorite foodie + conversationalist Mitch Maher capture the evening and to be accompanied by the endless talents of: Jack-of-all-Trades Daniel Perlof, Stylist Mayson Hauck, Ceramicist Andrea Luna Reece and Food Blogger Kailee in the Kitchen.
A surprise (thanks Kyle!) awaits on the tail end of our lark, when Rita Pham of mcakesweets showcased her amazing talents in creating the most beautiful & best tasting desserts including a gorgeous Earl Grey Cake making this occasion extra sweet.
Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!@mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a super fun (50th!) lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!@mcakesweets, Chef Kyle Powers + Nelson Johnson roll into our”50th” lark pop-up communal dinner party! Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
……More?
As we are always on a lark…here’s a few {personal} moments to share:
Clam-less in Long Beach
Unfortunately the adventure was too much for one little clam (he didn’t make the lark). Soon I discovered that all the elements of this dish, clam excluded, were over-the-top satisfying.
Lark Therapy
I was well into a conversation, dabbling into bits of my history (military brat, late bloomer, endlessly curious), when I learned I was speaking with a professional therapist. I feel better already!
Why Do I Feel Happy
A gentleman on a lark leaned over and said, I feel happier than I have in a long time and I don’t know why. We all chimed in on the endless benefits of social dining.
Hot Yoga
As a universal rule, we only lark in extreme weather and this smoking hot evening was no exception. We laughed at how the high humidity made our “purposeful work” (set up + breakdown) feel more like hot yoga!
On (what seemed like) the hottest day of summer we embraced the good energy + star patterns that led us to set our communal table in the cool and beautiful garden of eco-conscious and locally loved boutique founded by Summer Meek known as The Soul Project appropriately part of the Hip District of Laguna Beach.
As the sun slowly set we enjoyed welcome “booch-tails” + mingling leading up to a delicious meal curated by the talented, self-taught, master of makeshift Chef Kyle Powers… all while enjoying the lost art of conversation.
Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @kaileeinthekitchen Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @jonkillz Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @kaileeinthekitchenImage captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @jonkillz
We appreciate all the curious & adventurous people who brought their good energy and best vibes to our communal table–to make this an evening to remember:
Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @jonkillz Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @jonkillz
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 conversations–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!
📸 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 “fed my soul”.
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”—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!
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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
Because, when on a lark, fashion +food go hand in hand. We are thrilled to share this bit of Q+A with the inspiring Isabella Davidson, owner of Kindred Boutique in the seaside town of San Clemente; where we will kick off lark #46 with delicious food, wine & conversation on Friday 5/3/19!
Isabella Davidson of Kindred Boutique in San Clemente
Q. What is your idea of a perfect outfit?
A. The perfect outfit is something you are comfortable and confident in.Â
Q. What, when outfitting oneself, do people consistently overlook?
A. Having fun with it!!! Your outfit reflects your personality, so let it shine!
Q. Fashion school or apprenticeship?
A. I believe education is important, but being coachable and having experience is more valuable.
Q. Do you cook?
A. I LOVE cooking, it’s therapeutic for me and allows me to disconnect and turn my mind off.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Pizza is my weakness, but i also love anything spicy.
Q. What is your most memorable dining experience?
A. My most memorable dining experience are my family trips to Mexico. Sharing laughs and delicious food together will always be some of my favorite memories.
Q. If you could dine with anyone dead or alive, who would that be and what would you wear?
A. Anthony Bourdain hands down. I would wear something loose and comfortable because we would be drinking and eating until we were sick.
Q. Which talent would you most like to have?
A. I wish I could communicate with “spirits” or that I was a backup dancer.
Q. What question do you love to ask people?
A. Where’s your next travel destination?
Q. What is your most marked characteristic?
A. I’m bitesize.
Q. Who or what currently inspires you?
A. My business inspires and encourages me to always give my best, and pushes me to do things even if they make me uncomfortable.
Q. What is your motto?
A.”You are the carrier of the light inside of you” & “If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.”
Friday, January 25, 2019. Lark #44 Where Fashion Culture meets Food Culture, the photos say it all. We had the most amazing time on a lark at the super hip fashion house of Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa enjoying the tropical vibe, food, drinks + {the lost art of} conversation.
Here we collaborated “hand in hand” with the talented and passionate chefs of L.A.’s rctngl {the shape of a table} who shared their version of “Asia meets L.A.” delicious Kamayan experience; where we all enjoyed eating with our hands!
We are grateful to all the beautiful people who gathered to make this a memorable & magical evening. Special thanks to Chef Andrew Marco+ Chef Ralph Hsiao of @rctngl, Lauren Flores of @costacabana, @stylingbyjo, @lunareeceramics, @frenchbuckets, @housebeer, @theurbanspring, @maysonhauck, Daniel Perlof and our forever curious + adventurous guests!
Menu crafted by @rctngl:
INATOG/corn, calamansi butter, palapa, red onion, cilantro
LECHE FLAN/creme caramel, raspberry, Japanese shiso, caramel shards
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Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us! Next up, 2/22/19 at Coast Modern in Seal Beach with the talented + self-taught Chef Kyle Powers.
Gin & Pom Cocktail with Marigold compliments of rctnglINATOG/corn, calamansi butter, palapa, red onion, cilantro PINRITONG MAYA MAYA/red snapper, soy, lemongrass, garlic, ginger ADOBONG PAKPAK/chicken wings, sorry, vin, garlic On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!LUMPIA SHANGHAI/eggroll, pork, carrot, onion, peas On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!PINRITONG MAYA MAYA/red snapper, soy, lemongrass, garlic, ginger + House Beer!Ladies who lark!LECHE FLAN/creme caramel, raspberry, Japanese shiso, caramel shards On a super fun lark with @rctngl at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa!
Photo credit to our favorite foodie + conversationalist MBMaher.com
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!
Thrilled to be featured in Orange Coast Magazine’s “Hidden” Issue (Oct. 2018) . Here’s the story behind the image, if you want to know more, you’ll have to come on a lark with us!
October 2018
Last winter we were fortunate to dine with friends – old and new – soaking up the hip vibes at the beautifully understated and modern aesthetic of Isles Interiors in Newport Beach while enjoying conversation between spoonfuls of piping hot Mortadella + Lobster Chowder.
The timely cold weather transported us home to simpler times. Thanks to all who gathered at the communal table to make this an evening to remember including @lunareececeramics + @theurbanspring. Special thanks to Maria & Max Isles.
