Lisa Martinez – Lark Artisan Market

December 18, 2021December 18, 2021

Lark x Cleobella x Chef Taylor Elam

Our last gathering of 2021 found us in a bundle of good energy as we came together to for a “private” pop-up dinner party.

We seldom do private events, but we can be convinced through sheer sincerity and determination.

Friday, December 4, 2021

Lark x Cleobella x Chef Taylor Elam

Here we gathered around the communal table to be inspired by the surroundings, enjoy an amazing chef crafted meal & partake in the (lost) art of conversation.

Menu by Chef Taylor Elam of @merkato

Amuse Bouche

Charred Spanish Octopus preserved lemon + mint chermoula

Prix Fixe

Crispy Sunchoke / crispy sunchoke + pummelo + burrata + squash seed gremolata + fennel crudo

Chicory Greens / chicory greens + beet + apple + pumpernickel crouton + ricotta salata + ash honey vinaigrette

Meyer Ranch Hanger Steak / meyer ranch hanger steak + winter squash + roasted maitake + carrot top salsa verde

Olive Oil Cake / olive oil cake w/lavender cream

We had such a good time collaborating with Chef Taylor Elam to create a special moment for our friend Angela — and we are thankful to @kathryncoblyphotography for capturing the moment.

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

Create. Collaborate. Elevate.

@letsgoonalark @merkato @cleobellaboutique @kathryncolbyphotography @lunareece.ceramics

Super fun & delicious times! We look forward to sharing more good vibes in 2023!

April 29, 2019January 8, 2020

Q+A with Kindred Boutique’s Owner Isabella Davidson | Fashion Inspiration from San Clemente, California

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.

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.”

October 3, 2018October 3, 2018

Orange Coast Magazine: Off-The-Grid Dining Events

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!

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.

Photo credit to MB.Maher.com

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

Starters: Spicy mango shrimp on avocado toast
Welcome drink: Corn Whiskey Old Fashion

On the table + Paired with Wine

1/Shaved mushroom salad w/pecorino fennel cilantro and onion vinaigrette 2/Mortadella & lobster chowder 3/Advieh spiced lamb chop, braised lamb, with melting Yukon potato & fried greens 4/Pistachio ice cream in cinnamon tart, saffron apricot culi & spicy pear

>>>Veggie Option <<<

1/Shaved mushroom salad w/pecorino fennel cilantro & onion vinaigrette
2/Chili broth w/Farro & Beans
3/Roasted cabbage wedge w/melting potato and fried greens

On a super fun lark at Isles Interiors in Newport Beach

September 5, 2018January 8, 2020

Lark: The What & The Why | Creating in Huntington Beach, California

The conceptualization of lark happened when, at the prodding of a friend and the impending acquisition of a photography company where I held my favorite job coordinating photo shoots, I examined, introspectively, how I wanted to live my life and what things truly mattered.

What is success to me? Doing the work I love. Producing allows me to pull together the pieces of a big puzzle and create something new altogether. It’s the creative process that feeds into so many layers: meeting new people, seeing new places, learning new things, growing from experiences.

What are things I yearn for? What does it truly mean to live? Actively engaging with others, discovering new places, enjoying amazing food and so on (it’s a long list) — but mostly sharing these experiences. Why? To evoke happiness, interest, excitement, conversation, meaning, hope and inspiration.

How could I bring what I’ve honed professional into what I love personally? How do I break down walls between the two and invite everyone a part of these nurturing and unique experiences?

Lark bloomed with the opportunity to work side by side with a talented chef and setting our first communal table. We took the idea of pop up social dining and elevated it by applying our creative spin adding style, design, fashion, music – whatever may be inspiring us at the moment. We love the idea that we are both malleable and progressive. Not knowing where this adventure would lead, but knowing it would be both daring and fun, we called it a lark.

Drawing from personal experience, we operate on the firm belief that giving and sharing your gifts is the best – and when you work with others whose talents you can embrace and lift up (and vice-versa) the combination sets things on fire. Lark puts out a positive vibe and a good energy that is about continually taking the next intentional step towards the things we love, which we hope you have the opportunity to experience. Lark is growing and changing, but its foundation will always be about inspiring others.

Images captured by the lovely & talented @taliadecoite