Our last gathering of 2019 found us in a bundle of good energy as we came together to for a “private” pop-up communal dinner. We seldom do private events, but we can be convinced through a strong sense of sheer sincerity and determination. We are thankful to have this opportunity to do what we love…pulling together all the elements of a great dinner party!
The talented Chef Kyle Powers crafted a delicious four course meal (see the gorgeous hand illustrated menu below). Photographer, foodie and former bartender, Mitch Maher captured the evening while simultaneous slinging delicious “Bohemia Mama” signature cocktails to honor the birthday gal. Tyler Rodriguez poured his knowledge and love of wine while Daniel Perlof, Kailee Walters and Kim Johnson kept everything rolling. Our favorite jewel toned dried botanicals adorned the communal table alongside by bundles of fragrant sage to mark new beginnings.
Lark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle PowersLark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle PowersLark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle PowersLark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle PowersLark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle PowersLark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle PowersLark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle PowersLark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle PowersLark #52 Van Daele Residence w/Chef Kyle Powers
A big THANK YOU to all the Van Daele’s and all the beautiful people who came together to make this an evening to remember.
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 ā 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 OāConnell 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 Americanaās 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 larkā¦hereās 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 donāt 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 āpurposeful workā (set up + breakdown) feel more like hot yoga!
