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 itās so great to meet you. Iām 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 donāt 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 TOGOās, I am a good sandwich maker!
What led to you interest in fashion?
Itās 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. Itās 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.
Yes, Poland to visit Graff and then Spain with Cosentinoā¦ 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.
Itās 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 happyāitās 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. andābest of allāpartake in the (rediscovered) art of conversation.
Brophy Market 1727 Superior Ave. Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (17th Street x Superior/Newport Beach Blvd.)
We love to set our communal table in inspirational spaces where people can easily connect through food, wine & design. As with all our lark locations, there is an underlying familiarity that bridges creativesāand we knew in an instance that we wanted to create + collaborate with the founder of this well styled space.
In this fun Proust inspired questionnaire we gain insight to Jasmina Jaskovicās background, inspiration, and meaning behind her creative endeavor known as CASA CDM an inviting gallery of chosen art & objects anchoring the north end of Corona del Mar.
Jasmina Jaskovic Founder of CASA CDM in Corona del Mar, CA
To show my love for craftsmanship through local artists and objects that have character and meaningāand build a community around it.
What is the most enjoyable thing about your profession?Ā
Working with artists, challenging myself, and working with and guiding customers/clients by educating and nurturing their own style.
Is there a moment you can pinpoint that inspired you about art/design in your youth?
My culture, travel, and my mother had the most impact on me. My mother taught me and showed me what true craftsmanship was. At such a young age I was creating… always drawing, rearranging my room, sewing clothes for my dolls, and always expressly myself.
What do people most overlook when it comes to choosing artwork/objects for their space?
Most people believe all things need to match or have theme.
Art and Objects do not need to fit in a mold.
Special pieces are always relatable.
If you had followed another career path, what would it be?
I would be an Attorney fighting for Human Rights.
Are you a foodie?
I love a thoughtful, beautiful, and delicious meal.
Can you visually describe your idea of the perfect dinner party?
A curated tablescape filled with vintage glassware, flatware, and handmade ceramics. Dishes plated “family style” accompanied by a bold glass of Cabernet and, most importantly, enjoyed with a few close friends.
What is the representation/focus for the gallery?
CASA CDM is proud to be a vessel of local artists.
What is the one thing you want people to know about CASA CDM?
I would like everything I do, for artist and customers, to reflect my character and values.
We wanted to dive a bit below the surface and are talking with Ali Aboudaya of Freelance Coffee Project, who we originally met when pouring the most delicious coffee at design lovers Brophy Market, to get the inside scoop. Come along for the ride as we share some fun dinner party Q & A below!
Ali Aboudaya and Head Roaster Adrian Navarro
You seem a bit of an everyman at Freelance Coffee, are we onto something?
I definitely wear multiple hats at the company! I manage operations, accounts, and work flow for the company and in any spare time I have I am working on social content, such as videos and photos for the Instagram and website!
We love that Freelance Coffee Projects brings community together and has created an aesthetically pleasing third space, which we can easily describe as “dreamy meets professional”, to support local creatives, has this always been the goal?
That was one of the main concepts for Freelance when we started it, a space where creativity can flourish. It is also a big theme in our social content as well, we have been focusing on local creatives and seeing how the relationship with creativity and coffee go hand in hand.
Freelance Coffee Project – Newport Beach, CA
We also love the design aesthetic from the architecture to soothing interiors to local artwork and especially the plants, is this a collaborate effort or is there someone to credit?
The credit here goes to Natalie Taormina, one of the founders of Freelance. She has a keen eye for design and feng shui. She curates all the design in our shop and hand picks everything to give it a true unique experience.
Relatedly, the plants really do have a positive effect on the vibe, who/how are they maintained?
We LOVE our plants and we want them to live forever, so we take good care of them! They are maintained weekly and we even have them checked routinely by a plant expert.
We see some mindful retail items, is there a standard here?
Oh yes, we love to fill our shop with the best of the best coffee brewing equipment we can find! That being said, we are about to revamp our retail experience so stay tuned for something really cool very soon.
We know FCP a wholesaler/roaster for other coffee shops/restaurants? Any new just off the ground places we can call out?
What is it that people don’t realize when it comes to the coffee industry?
A lot of people donāt realize the steps it takes to get that perfect cup of coffee. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes, such as green bean sourcing, sample roasting, cuppingā¦ there is a lot of trial and error that eventually leads to that perfect cup of coffee, which is pretty cool honestly.
Your favorite coffee order or experience?
My go to coffee order is constantly changing with the season! At the moment, I am a big fan of the cortado, with a perfect balance of milk and espressoā¦ but just last month I was only drinking batch brews.
Are you also a foodie / or chef at home?
I am a big foodie, I would say that most of my life schedule is based around what I will be eating and whereā¦ I also love to cook but it is usually on holiday occasions when I get super creative in the kitchen and make something spectacular.
What is your idea of a perfect dining experience?
To me the perfect dining experience is one that can be shared amongst friends and family in a memorable ambiance! Nothing is better to me than when the food is so good that everyone is just passing their plates around the table for everyone to get a little taste of perfection!
Love this dreamy vibe at Freelance Coffee Project – Newport Beach, CA
We love setting our communal table in inspirating locations with interesting people and opening the seats to the curious & adventurous.
We fell in love with Lorraine’s Pennington‘s minimalist paintings first. It was years later that we met her, by chance, and it honestly felt like a dream-come-to-life. Since then we have supported each other from afar but recently our brief scout at her gorgeous atelier turned into hours long conversation that still lingers and evokes thought + laughter. All we can say is, if you don’t know Lorraine Pennington, you should! We are grateful to bring everyone along on our next lark through these Proust inspired dinner party questions:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Echo Park with a musician father and mother who encouraged being artistic.
What is your favorite places to visit?
I really love Italy, France and Spain.
When did you decide to become an artist?
I feel like I have always been drawn to creatingā¦I enjoyed designing jewelry and tabletop accessories like a very large wall necklace I sold at AāMAREEāS and at Garde in Los Angeles.
Art School yay or nay?
No. I didnāt go to art school.
We love your paintings and can easily describe it as peaceful, serene, organic…can you share any other cool or fun descriptions you’ve heard?
One of the best compliments was a client told me, who had one of my painting in their bedroom that they loved waking up and seeing my artwork, it put them in a good mood. I am a very positive person so my art has that energy.
We also love your jewelry which speaks so much to your aesthetic, you are no longer making but can you share any photos for us to swoon over?
I still design a few pieces of jewelry but I donāt do retail anymore.
I love that people that bought my jewelry tell me they still wear it after buying it 8 years ago.
It is still the only jewelry I wear.
What is your idea of a great dining experience?
My idea of a great dining experience is having people you enjoy with great music and lighting and of course amazing food and drinks.
Are you the chef at home?
Yes I really enjoy cooking, I usually never use a recipe.
What is you most coveted ingredient?
Fresh herbs and salt. My favorite food is sushi.
Any interesting stories of where your paintings have landed?
My paintings have been in a few magazines…recently I was at my moms looking at her magazines and I opened a house beautiful and saw my artwork. I think almost every time my work has been published I found out by surprise opening up the magazine. I have sold art throughout United States. My favorite is when I get to see where the artwork is going in their home so local is always nice.
We would find it hard to “let go” of something so beautiful, how do reconcile with parting with your art?
Yes, I find it hard to let certain pieces of artwork go. I usually hide a few I am not ready to part with!
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I find that perfect happiness comes when you are fully present, and not expecting anything from the moment.
Any current books, shows or music you are enjoying?
I love to read and read a lot. I have been reading /studying Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza very intriguing book. I also read a lot of fiction.
I really enjoy going to the library since I was a little kid so books are a big part of my life. I still like to hold a book in my hand and use a handmade bookmark so no kindle for me.
I try not to watch a lot of TV but on the weekends I do watch some like we just finished Succession and I watched Yellowstone.
Music is another big deal for me I like a lot of different artist. One that comes to mind that I have listened to lately is Khruanghin.
Lark imagery by @missymphotograhy & all others compliments of Lorraine Pennington.
ā ā ā
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
We were honored to set the communal table, April 10, 2024, with our favorite minimalist artist @lorrainepennington at her beautiful + inviting atelier in West Side Costa Mesa.āØ
Here we enjoyed welcome drinks & mingling, delighted in the beauty of imperfection, shared a chef curated dining experience andābest of allāpartook in the (rediscovered) art of conversation.
Lisa Martinez & Chef Mathew RobertsLorraine Pennington shares her Artwork
With lark, it is always about the people you meet along the way! We are thrilled to introduce the enthusiastic, whole hearted and innovative Wendy Leithem owner of the film + video design haven known as The Sunlight House āļø where we will soon be setting our communal table to enjoy food, wine, design & partake in the (lost) art of conversation. Come along with us as we take a dive below the surface by way of these fun dinner party questions:
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I grew up on a farm in Yuma Arizona, and now live in Newport Beach. Newport Beach is where I raised my 3 boys and has tons of great memories.
What is your earliest design-related experience?
In my younger years I would always laugh as I could not even draw a stick man. I never even knew I had any creative ability until I bought my first beach house in my 40ās. I was always an athlete and had corporate jobs.
Sports: In high school and below, I played everything I could get my hands on. Volleyball, basketball, softball, I even competed in horse Jr Rodeo competitions (my dad was a professional rodeo cowboy). I also played flag football. After college I attempted to play pro beach volleyball, but it did not work out.
We love how you created The Sunlight House to not only be a warm + inviting home but also a commercial shoot locationāand now you are opening it to lark! You are always open and growing, what is your secret?
The Sunlight House
Usually by dumb luck! I have been super fortunate to work with people that have really taught me about manifesting and creating my dream life. Some trial and error for sure. All my endeavors just get more fun and more fun with meeting amazing people along the way.
Since so many film shoots have happened at The Sunlight Houseāis there one or two fun/cool experiences to share?
The first that comes to mind was a shoot with Kareem Abdul Jabbar. What a treat. He was shooting a Pharma ad and his team was amazing.
The 2nd was probably being asked to have my sweet yellow lab Maddie be part of a shoot. I quickly learned how to be a ādog handlerā on set. It was hilarious. After the 10th take she actually began to stop on her mark. I was nervous, but she was a rock star.
Thanks Maddie cakes!
What should people know about designing inviting spaces? Is there one easy āmust doā tip you can give them?
I always want people to āfeelā joy and light energy in any space I create. I want them to feel like they would love to hang out, invite friends over and just really feel a lightness of being from any space I create.
You have two enterprises going at the same time with Hang3 which launched earlier this year (congrats!). Can you elaborate on the underlying inspiration to support local artists?
Hang 3 is another endeavor I stumbled upon. I had a collection of my own shots from all over the world and one day I began putting them together. I then contacted some local incredible photographers from all different talents and asked for some of their favorite heart filled work and Hang3 was born. I now shoot my own images as well as recruit painters/photographers and help to broker their work to the design trade and all over. It has and is currently a wonderful learning experience.
Inspiring artwork now available at Hang3shop.com
We feel their is an expression or feeling you want to share with your endeavors? Are we onto something?
As I grow older, I find that creative endeavors and using my own creative unique gifts and sharing it with others brings me the most joy. (Besides my amazing 3 boys of course). I feel absolutely blessed to be able to do what I love and also make wonderful revenue streams
We know you enjoy curating spaces and entertaining, are you the chef at home?
Ha! My 3 boys might challenge this, but I have started to really enjoy cooking and wine pairing as I have gotten older. Sampling food from around the world and having unique eating opportunities has been so much fun.
What ingredient can you not live without?
Tequila and my hot tea! Any type of fish and Mexican food comes in at a close 2nd.
Who, if anyone in the world, would you most like to dine with?
There are so manyā¦but today it would be Leanne Ford the designer.
Her effortless creative style is so inspiring.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Always finding the silver lining or positive in a situation, no matter how dire it may seem at the time. The universe is always teaching us something for our highest good.
Design or Business school?
I actually have an MBA from my corporate days. It has helped me tremendously in my real estate investing and running my businesses. Design school probably would not have been for me. I always have to be out in the world learning.
What not so obvious thing should people know about being an entrepreneur?
All the mistakes that lead you to your right path. I think also sometimes being terrified but doing it anyway.
What word or phrase do you most over-use?
Embarrassingly, the F word can fly out of my mouth a bit when I least expect it during last minute issues or running behind for a deadline. I would also say āeverything is always working outā and āyou got thisā.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
A wonderful morning meditation, a beautiful ocean hike with my wonderful girlfriends, time spent with all 3 of my boys (they are now all older and getting them all 3 together is super hard now with them on different parts of the country). Ending with a fabulous meal, my boys/ friends or any creative souls.Ā
Who are your heroes?
First would be my 3 boys…they are amazing and handle any challenge that comes their way like gladiators. Second would be my amazing Uncle Clayton Kiewel. We just lost him. He was the patriarch in our family and the man/person we all aspired to be.
ā ā ā
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
Friday 3/22/24 w/the talented Chef Kyle Powers + Sous Chef Bryan Barnes!
Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_
We recently brought all our good vibes together for a “private” pop-up communal dinner. We seldom do private events, but we can be convinced through sheer sincerity and determination ā
Lark @ Travers Residence Saturday, June 24, 2023 Newport Beach, CA ā
Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_
Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers ā
Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_
Chefs whim appetizer accompanied by signature larktails:
Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_
Birthday poem by writer Nick Banning ā
Saturnine sky with long days, long sunsets, long shadows. Summer makes the promise that take off is voluntary, yet landing is required. Is it time to show every sense but common?
The Stars eat from her hand when she lets them. Shall we dance in the sand, hummm our favorite song as the sun greets and the Stars ditch us? The clouds are like pink Spanish Galleons in the sky waiting to be Plunderedā¦
Blossoms on ice, sunflowers as big as the sun, design and elegance envelopes. Time to slip on velvet slippers or perhaps barefoot shoes and acknowledge the importance of doing nothing.
Beauty surrounds, friends warm the night, glasses of pleasure in your handsā¦with Gratitude Optimism is Sustainable and with Grateful Acceptance we give the Nod to the Joy of what is around us.
A big THANK YOU to all who came together to make this an evening to remember! ā
We have strolled the Civic Center Park’s winding trails dozens of times, enjoying the varied pieces of art, flora and faunaāāand always leave feeling refreshed and carefully noting the best locations for a picnic.
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
We decided to settle in the towering presence of the amazing Talking Heads sculpture by the classically trained sculptor Oleg Lobykin. Fitting as time between the bigger larks is always used for reflection (our motto: do, reflect, refine, do again).
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
While enjoying a delicious array of cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers accompanied by sips of sparkling water and gentle ocean breeze, we talked about what was happening in our lives, things silly and serious.
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
We shared stories and laughed about the larks past and present and, of course, dreamed up what could be next.
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
Appearing along the path near our table is Lisa Hughes Anderson who enthusiastically snapped a few photos and her friend Suzanne Redfearn who graced us with her recently published novel. You never know who’ll you will meet on a lark!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
Love that we took the time and effort to create a beautiful experience that filled us with adventure and inspiration.
Weāre thrilled to create + collaborate with the Cannery Artist Colony of Newport Beach. We met Artist and Creative Life Connoisseur Jan McCarthy through a mutual friend (who we met on a lark!).
We were about to set our communal table at her residence in the gorgeous green Eastern Building in DTLA when the world shut down. Then, when we reconnected, she had relocated to the seaside town of Newport Beach and became a part of the Cannery Artist Colony.
We are thankful for her invitation to set our communal table with the Cannery Artist Colony whose inspiring and delightful ateliers reside among the numbered streets of Newport Beach:
Q. Tell us about the Cannery Artist Colony.
A. The building we are in originally had 3 artists but in the last year 3 more of us have joined the collective space. It is so great that we each have our own private studio space and focus on different types and approaches to creating art, but are able to meet up when we are in residence and share ideas as well as support each other.
A. We come from all different places, Some of the women have been in the Newport area for a long time and even had children in the same school together, or met at various painting classes. I am a newcomer to the group, coming from Los Angeles and Boulder, Colorado just over a year ago, but I appreciate how welcoming everyone has been.
Q. What would you say about their personalities + style?
JAN MCCARTHY https://www.janmccarthy.com/ Modern, Sophisticated, Bold and Edgy, each mark or stroke of the brush is a signature gesture as a way to connect and share flashpoints of time or place. Jan’s art gives a nod to independence and freedom, a suggestion to defy the norm, stay curious and seek adventure, Influences are from a background of travel, interior design, creative pursuits, and a curious and wild imagination.
LINDA WOOTERS www.lindawooters.com Drawn to the juxtaposition of patterns and loose brush strokes to create modern impressionistic landscapes. She is influenced by living near the ocean and observing it’s ever changing moods.
CAROLE AIKINS www.caroleaikins.com – Carole’s work could be described as bold, whimsical, and vivid! She lets the subject of her paintings present themselves as she paints, much like a drama or fiction, revealing the surprise story once the painting is completed. Her early creative pursuits, such as interior design, travel, and living in France have greatly influenced her work,
DEBORAH HAROLD www.deborahharold.com An interior designer turned artist, Deborah is passionate about painting and travel. She considers herself an abstract impressionist with a keen sense of color, using quick and spontaneous brushstrokes to create shapes that allow the mind to fill in the blanks.
ILONA MARTIN https://ilona-art.com Ilona’s naive approach to Impressionist painting has given her a risk-taker reputation. Her love for a montage of color and shapes found in nature inspires her to paint and her work has a European influence, stemming from her German heritage and travels around the world. Ā
JANET BLUDAU www.janetbludau.com Janet’s work offers up a cool color palette, inspired by an impressionistic era combining it with a contemporary approach. She describes her work as abstracted realism, intuitively applying color, and using her background in design to help her insert shapes and graphic lines to create a beautiful piece of art.
Q. Are any of the artists cooks?
A. We have monthly dinner parties and everyone makes something extraordinary, so yes, even if we don’t cook on a regular basis, we know how to perfect the art of dining.
Q. What makes the Cannery Artist Colony a perfect pairing for a lark?
A. It is a cozy space that lends itself to creativity and inspiration. Having the menu, table and area designed around a creative and artistic community, it is the perfect place to appreciate a lark.
Q. Any history you can share of the building or neighborhood?
A. In 1921, the area known as Cannery Village was a commercial fish cannery between 30th and Lido Park Drive but after it closed around 1966, it’s natural charm and seaside location attracted creative businesses, artists and tourists as the ideal site to gather.
Q. Art School, yay or nay?
A. I started making art just a little over 10 years ago and I’ve never been to art school. It may have been helpful to learn specific techniques, but I’ve really loved learning from others and experimenting on my own, and therefore feel confident in trusting my intuition and making mistakes. Some of my fellow artists did attend art school but we all have our own unique style.
Q. We feel the culinary world + art world go hand in hand, do you agree?
A. Absolutely, it is about bringing together imagination, color, design, mood, creativity, and a full experience of the senses.
We love that lark has become a platform for talented people who are passionate about their craft. Hence, we are thrilled to introduce Chef Taylor Elam of Merkatƶ. We met pre-pandemic and reconnected on (nearly?) the other side as our first opportunity to create + collaborate arrives 12/2/21 in the form of a private pop, with equally passionate guests, at the super hip Cleobella Boutique in Sunset Beach.
Hereās a fun Q + A to understand why our chefs always have creative control of the menu!
Where are you from and where do you live now?
From : San Juan Capistrano, California
Current : Newport Beach, California
What is your earliest memorable culinary experience?
I was probably 4 or 5 years old. It was chopping vegetables with my grandma & mother for Sunday dinners.
What drives you to create food?
To always be better than your last plate.
We feel there is an expression or feeling you want to share with your craft? Are we onto something?
Absolutely. The satisfaction I get when people tell me that was one of the most unique preparations of an ingredient theyāve ever experienced. Those compliments reassure that all those years of hard work have paid off.
Youāve worked in a quite a few kitchens, can you drop some names or share some highlights (thinking style, pace, vibe, high/low)?
Fleur de Lys, San Francisco – Modern French, classic & fun. At the time they had a Michelin star. Itās where I got my start as a prep cook during my externship upon graduating culinary school. Itās also the kitchen thats responsible for me growing up. Hubert Keller is one of the nicest French chefs on the planet. Thatās saying a lot haha.
Spago, Beverly Hills – fast paced, elegant & militant. Hands down the toughest kitchen Iāve worked in. 4-6 hundred covers a night. Celebrities & Hollywood socialites were the norm. Expectations were firing high on all levels daily. The hyper focus I learned on technique, balance, detail & seasonality helped mold me into the chef I am today.
What should people know about fine dining?
Itās a whole other planet. It can make or break a young cook in the best possible way. It takes a certain kind of person to dedicate themselves to that world.
What is behind the name Merkatƶ?
Merkatƶ translates to market in the esperanto language aka āInternational Languageā. Esperanto doesnŹ¼t belong to a particular nation it belongs to a community of people.
Itās known as a supranational language. Like many others itŹ¼s used to communicate its culture, literature & magazines. Unlike all other languages, Esperanto does not have its own country, nor its own people. Instead, it belongs to itŹ¼s community. We belong to a community.
Merkatƶ is a new concept launched during the pandemic, can you elaborate on the concept?
Breaking bread will always bring people together. We endeavor to use that language to tell stories, share space, invite partnerships and raise awareness of the farm-to-table process.
We approach our work and our community with humility. We believe in sustainability and infuse it in all that we do. We respect ingredients, in recipes and in people.
Everyone is unique and deserves a personalized experience. We foster transparency in our work because we are proud of our ingredients, our partners, our employees and our achievements. Everyone is welcome at our table. No exceptions.
Merkatƶ (and/or your culinary quests) also has had other twists & turns. We like to see you hanging in there, how do you visualize Merkatƶ evolving?
Merkatƶ is evolving every day. Food is still the focal point & always will be, but I envision it to grow to so much more than that. Education, product development & destination dinners are new ideas Iāve been working on this last year. I have a small line of products that were approved by the FDA. I see it becoming more of a lifestyle brand as well haha. That sounds funny to me when I say that, but it feels like it having so many layers & ideas. Exciting stuff for the future!
What is your most marked culinary characteristic?
I am very lucky to work with & highlight some amazing products here in the golden state. I am not a plant based chef by any means. I do love opening peoples minds with vegetable cookery & treating them as you would your favorite wagyu steak.
Who is on your food prep playlist?
Oh man hahah. I love everything. Really depends on the menu. Some of my cooking favorites the Grateful Dead, muddy waters, the Allman brothers, Skinshape, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Wilson Pickett, toots & the Maytals, Iggy Pop, Wu Tang, Bobby Womack, Social D. I could go for ever haha.
What ingredient can you not live without?
Quality olive oil.
Culinary school, yay or nay?
Yay, City College of San Francisco.
What not so obvious thing should people know about pursuing a career as a Chef?
Itās not as glamorous as the media portrays it. It has its glamorous moments, but thereās typically many years of sweat & tears before applause.
For those who cook at home, what is one easy must do tip you can give them?
Donāt compromise quality.
Who are your heroes?
Anthony Bourdain
Jeremy Fox
Paul Bocuse
Andy doubrava
Thomas Keller
David Chang
Alain Ducasse
Charlie Trotter
Huebert Keller
Chris Consentino
Brandon Jew
Sean Brock
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
Although this lark is a private pop, we invite you along through our images & stories.
During the summer had a fun little creative session with Victoria Kennedy who happened to open her first Art Gallery (next to Kean Coffee in Newport Beach in March 2020 and never looked back. Follow our Q + A session below to learn a bit more about this determined and inspiring Gallerist:
Where were you born and raisedāand where do you live now?
I was born in San Marino and raised in Corona del Mar/Newport Beach. It was always my goal to leave the OC bubble (which I did for a period of time!), but I am so glad to be back as an adult. My husband and I live in Westside Costa Mesa and we love the creative community out here.
Did you dabble or immerse yourself in art growing up?
Definitely! One of my first art experiences outside of high school was taking a summer drawing course at LCAD. It was an incredibly challenging (and humbling) experience that gave me a lot of respect for artists. Similarly, I took an oil painting course at Stanford University and realized that my skill was not in creating art (ha!). But having experience in working with different artistic mediums gave me an understanding for how the materials work and how difficult it is to create unique and coherent art.
What led you to Stanford University?
I had always had my heart set on Stanford as my parents met there when they were undergraduates and I had many fond memories of the campus and community. Luckily, I was recruited to play water polo at Stanford, so it was a natural fit!
What did you ālearn to embraceā about Northern California?
Living in Northern California was really my first time immersed in the beautiful diversity of thought, culture, religion and ethnicity. I really embraced the openness and willingness to learn from others different from myself.
Victoria Kennedy at Kennedy Contemporary @kennedycontemporary
We understand you lived abroad for a spell, how does your experience inform your present day approach to life?
After four years at Stanford, I spent a fifth year studying at Oxford University and using that time to travel and get my fill of academic life. Afterwards, I worked for Backroads, a luxury active travel company, and moved to France to lead tours in Normandy and Brittany.
Life abroad taught me two things: don’t be afraid to ask for help and be open to new experiences. There were times when I couldn’t figure out the best cell phone plan, how to pay road tolls, French dining etiquette, etc. Just asking for advice or assistance shows that you’re willing to put in the effort to integrate with the locals and connect! And ultimately, life is all about human connection.
What is your greatest culinary pleasure?
I LOVE throwing dinner parties, which was why I love the concept of Lark! My go-to dinner is a roast chicken – most of it is done ahead of time, which gives you ample time to socialize with your guests and relax. And the leftovers can often last the whole week!
Tabletop on a guerrilla lark at Kennedy Contemporary features @lunareece.ceramics
What is one of your favorite culinary experiences?
When I lived in London, my roommate and I put on an American Thanksgiving for all of our British and international friends. Our oven broke that morning (and luckily got replaced the day-of!), but we managed to make a whole turkey, apple + pecan pie, stuffing, and a salad. We had a blast sharing the traditions of the meal with our friends over many bottles of wine!
What was your first introduction to art?
In high school, I took AP Art History with John Gunnin. I loved learning about history through the lens of art and thoroughly enjoyed the course. It made me want to pursue a minor in Art History at Stanford.
What epiphany about art carries you to where you are today?
All art is contemporary. Meaning every piece is created of its own time and in relation to that day, month, or year when it was conceived. Understanding this helps to put art in context, and context is everything! It’s why we praise Jackson Pollock even though paint splatters seem so trivial and amateurish.
You can look at a piece of art and think “I love this,” which is the most important step to collecting art. You have to love it. The second step is understanding why it was created and why its creation is significant.
Coppers Tritscheller Sculpture at Kennedy Contemporary @coppertritscheller
One of your favorite things is helping people find the right pieces of art for their homeāany inspiring stories (or advice) to share?
When we first opened, we had a client stop by the gallery briefly while at Susie Cakes. Immediately, they grabbed their partner and pulled them into the gallery to see an artwork. They bought it on the spot!
The best part of my job is developing long term relationships with my artists and clients. Although I have been in the contemporary art world for years, it’s been really encouraging to cultivate relationships with new clients as a gallerist representing my own artists. There’s a beauty to investing long term in our artists’ careers and sharing their stories with our clients.
Texture, color, vibe at Kennedy Contemporary @_joejustus
You started a community called The Bohemians Womenās Club what was the catalyst for that?
Yes! I started the Bohemian Women’s Club in partnership with Ali Faulkner from AEF Interiors. We had both recently moved to the area, started businesses, and wanted to expand our professional networks of like-minded women. Since April, we’ve grown our network to about forty local women and host monthly events to connect with and support each other. It’s been awesome to buy from/partner with local women-owned businesses like the Grazing Kitchen, Cabane, Argaux, the Regina Oswald Collection, and (of course) Lark…!
What is the greatest myth about the Art world?
That you need to have a masters or PhD in Art History to understand and buy art… you don’t! Many of our clients buy art because they love it and want something beautiful and meaningful to enrich their lives. You can certainly educate yourself by going to galleries, fairs, auctions, and maybe taking a course in art history, but ultimately it’s about what you love and want to live with.
We know you also love furnitureā¦how did that come about?
If I could outfit my entire home with Sean Woolsey‘s furniture… I would! But for now, I’m happy to showcase some of his pieces in our gallery. Sean was super kind to lend us some of his pieces to create a comfortable gallery environment. One of our artists, Heather Zusman, actually used to work for Sean which initially spurred her interest in woodworking!
Woolsey chair at Kennedy Contemporary @thewoolsey + @_joejustus
If you could be anything other than an Art Curator / Gallerist, what would it be?
I am very happy being a gallerist and probably wouldn’t want to do anything else full time. I’m a true believer that you make the time for things that are important to you. For me, I’ve continued working out, writing and recording songs, going on long walks/hikes with friends, and traveling all while building and running the gallery. Maybe in the future, that will shift and I will renew my scuba diving certification or take a sommelier course (which are on my list of things to do!).
