Radiating good vibes on a lark at the design haven of @mcgee&co in East Side Costa Mesa!
On Thursday, May 30, 2019 we enjoyed a most gregarious lark at the design haven of @mcgeeandco in East Side Costa Mesa! Here gathered around the communal table to disconnect + reconnect over a chef crafted meal, delicious wine & the subtle art of conversation.
Food, wine & conversation enjoyed on a super fun lark at @mcgeeandco in East Side Costa Mesa!
The Master of Makeshift, Chef Kyle Powers, rocked the menu once again – and the McGee gals came through with some serious style.
We are super thankful to all the beautiful people who came together to create such a memorable & adventurous evening @mcgee&co @mrforky @forkintheroadcatering @theurbanspring @lunareececeramics @emweber @dperlof @kaileeinthekitchen @mb.maher @amenahdesigns + @theflowerstand.
Our next lark finds us greeting the first day of summer, Friday 6/21/19, by taking in salty air + beautiful surroundings at the gorgeous waterfront retreat of @tressapothecary in Newport Beach.
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
Asparagus curry, naan croutons with yogurt thoroughly enjoyed on a super fun lark at @mcgeeandco in East Side Costa Mesa!Image captured on a super fun lark at @mcgeeandco in East Side Costa Mesa!
Image credit to photographer, foodie, conversationalist: MB.Maher.com
It’s really about the people you meet along the way. Thrilled to share a little insight from our conversation with Julietta Sipprelle + Nicole Sayers, the fun, generous, and enthusiastic owners, of Poetry of Hair in San Clemente, who invited us to set our communal table their swanky bricked walled shop for a super fun lark with friends old & new.
Lark #46 with Julietta Sipprelle + Nicole Sayer of Poetry of Hair in San Clemente! PC to @kaileeinthekitchen
Q. What is your idea of a great day?
J: Living in the moment where ever and whomever I’m with.
N: 6:00 am Hot Yoga or running, 10:00 am go on a hike with a friend, 12:00pm grab some lunch, 1:00pm hit the beach, 6:00pm dinner and drinks with friends
Q. Is the name Poetry of Hair derived from anything special?
J: Nic and I wanted to bring Poetry into our salon with inspiring words for ourselves and our clients. We created a poetry wall while personally designing our salon, these poems inspired our name.
N: Yes…I love literature and Poetry and we wanted to use Poems, quotes, etc…to inspire our clients. We have a black board that we change often with great quotes.
Q. What is your greatest extravagance?
J: Captain Jacks yearly on my birthday, “Best Crab Legs Ever!”
N: Dining out,
Q. What do you most love about San Clemente?
J: My clients who I consider my friends and family.
N: The laid back atmosphere, the beauty all around me that I soak in everyday, the people, the climate and the style.
Q. Do you cook?
J: I attempt, oh my poor daughter growing up. I prefer to bake. Love a good bread pudding.
N: Yes all the time. I’m pretty good at it too!
Q. What is your favorite food?
J: Crab Legs and butter!
N: Tacos!
Q. What is your most memorable dining experience?
J: Flying first class and dinning on the stunning coast of Cinque Terre Italy. Truly amazing!
N: I’ve had many amazing ones, but probably Si Señor in Punta De Mita Punta De Mita, I love the food, drinks and the view is insane!
Q. Which talent would you most like to have?
J: To sing like my grandmother, and play guitar!
N: To be able to fly.
Q. What question do you love to ask people?
J: What do you do? Do you love it? It’s inspiring to hear so many people love what they do when they really think about it.
N: How have they conquered the road to success?
Q. What is your most marked characteristic?
J: Making people beautiful. Through style, words, or just a smile.
J: Embrace the simple moments! They are truly beautiful!
N: Do I live Fully? Do I love wholeheartedly? Do I matter?
Welcome to the prep! Lark #46 at Poetry of Hair in San Clemente! PC @kaileeinthekitchenHello San Clemente! So nice to meet you! Lark #46 w/Chef Kyle Powers! PC @kaileeinthekitchen
We are thankful Chef to all the beautiful people who gathered around the communal table to make this an evening to remember!
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
A fast + fun way to get our creative juices flowing, uplift each other and thank our collaborators. Oh, and sometimes, taste some wine! Thanks to @winc for introducing us to “Folly of the Beast” Pinot Noir – it is definitely one of our our favs!
Super thankful to @kathryncolbyphotography for not only capturing the vibe, but for bringing all her good energy + ideas to our playful gathering.
We loved meeting Angie Boyd creator of @lupthelabel who shared with us her latest design, LOVE! Don’t be surprised if you find us wearing these gorgeous threads on a future lark!
Create + Collaborate + Elevate
This lark took place at the swanky (+ super accommodating) Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach, California
Someone is ready to go on a lark! Image features Kate Spade Glasses, Anthropologie Beach Bag, a bottle of Folly of the Beast Pinot Noir + this super hip Black Matte Swiss Cross by @lunareececeramics PC @kathryncolbyphotographyLisa Martinez, Owner & Creative Director, setting the stage on a super fun guerrilla lark in Huntington Beach. Image by @kathryncolbyphotography features antique textiles from @igotrugs Gorgeous 3 pocket linen jumper-dress handmade and designed by the talented @lupothelabel – PC to @kathryncolbyphotographyThis red takes its name from the great Moby Dick quote “For there is no folly of the beast on earth that is no infinitely outdone by the madness of men”. Super thankful @winc suggested this delicious California produced (and vegan) wine for our upcoming lark! We believe in working shoulder to shoulder with people who are passionate about their craft. We have been inspired by @lupothelabel since day one! Create + Collaborate + Elevate. PC to @kathryncolbyphotographyOne thing leads to another. Diggin’ this gorgeous hand-made bohemian leather clutch by @dwleather and captured so well by @kathryncolbyphotography ! Thanks for the intro @lupothelabel !We are pretty much obsessed with the minimalistic + modern style of @graflantz ! Introduced to us on a super fun lark with the ultra hip @coastmodern in Seal Beach. PC by @kathryncolbyphotography
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, February 22, 2019–We were thrilled to lark with husband & wife team Cecilia + Bryce Cole, co-founders of the locally loved Coast Modern in Seal Beach, whose highly intentional lives project the high impact of their design experience from graphics to textiles to architecture.
We are thankful to all our friends, old and new, who came a little closer to share an an amazing chef crafted meal, wine pairing & conversation! The warmth of the space filled our bellies and our hearts.
Special thanks to: @coastmodern, @lunareececeramics, @theurbanspring, @dperlof, writer + poet Nick Banning, @mymiddlenameisstarr, @housebeer & photographer MBMaher.com
On a super fun lark at Coast Modern in Seal Beach On a super fun lark at Coast Modern in Seal Beach Good (& delicious) times on a lark at Coast Modern in Sunset Beach Super fun times on a lark at Coast Modern in Seal BeachHouse Beer meets Natalie Martin on a super fun lark at Coast ModernMenu illustrated by Emily Boelsems of @mymiddlenameisstarr + poem by Nick Banning
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
Meet husband and wife Cecilia + Bryce Cole, co-founders of the locally loved Coast Modern in Seal Beach, whose highly intentional lives project the high impact of their design experience from graphics to textiles to architecture.
Coast Modern
Q.. How do you know each other?
A. We met while Bryce was designing a men’s clothing line and I worked for the agent who was handling the manufacturing.
Q. What is good design to you?
A. Good design is pleasing to the eye, functions well while being simple and in some cases elevates your consciousness.
Q. What is better living to you?
A. Everyday of our life we are dependent on products, systems and structures that were designed and created by someone, those designs when good, make our life better, good design can improve the quality of our life, that is why we say “Good design for better living”.
Q. Why the name Coast Modern?
A. We both love architecture, we would go to architectural tours often and even lent our home for one many years ago. We also had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Julius Shulman a few times and saw many architectural documentaries, Coast Modern is one of them and we thought the name made sense being two blocks from the beach and represented our passion for mid century art, architecture and design.
A. Our first date. We went for a drink while waiting for a table and realized more than an hour later that we had forgotten we were waiting for a table or that we were hungry. We have been together ever since.
Q. What is your most prized possession?
A. We are grateful for our home and the furniture we have been able to collect. Yet, the memories of our time together, traveling, doing home projects while listening to music, watching our son grow up and turn into an adult we are very proud of. Those memories and the time we get to spend together and with the people we love are priceless.
Q. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A. Traveling.
Q. What is your greatest extravagance?
A. I think for myself (Cecilia) my extravagance is shopping at the Farmer’s Market in Orange, the kombucha bread is phenomenal, though not economical and the cheese is addictive, the celery looks like a flower arrangement and the rest of the fresh produce are just as lovely. Bryce seems to never have enough mechanical pencils and notebooks.
Q. If you could change one thing about how people approach design what would it be?
A. “Clear accounts, long friendships” though, Bryce says I use the “F” word the most, ha ha ha !!
Q. What do you hope to accomplish in life?
A. Be of contribution to others and if we can make a difference in the world, it will make us very happy.
Q. What is your motto?
A. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself too.
Bryce + Cecilia Cole of Coast Modern in Seal Beach
We are thrilled to have Coast Modern open their doors to our next communal dinner party with the talented Chef Kyle Powers!
Their Mid-Century Modern vibe at their Coast Modern home is intimate, well curated, and with its smart use-of -space, warmly reminds us of our favorite meals enjoyed in the cozy restaurants of Japan.
Join us as we gather to partake in cocktails and mingling leading up to a chef crafted menu + wine pairing….. all while enjoying {the rediscovered art} of conversation.
Come on a lark with us on Friday February 22, 2019! Tickets $125 per person includes good vibes, four course meal + wine pairing curated by Chef Kyle Powers.
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.
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 found 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!Â
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 for 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!
Chef Daniel Perlof A native of Tustin California, learned his way around the kitchen at a young age partaking in the creation of family meals with his Grandmother and Father. Outside of the home, he studied Spanish and found this to be helpful in various kitchens and catering roles – always seeking to help talented crew members overcome this hurdle when expressing their talents with mostly English speaking managers. Chef Daniel recently took a leap of food and faith to expand this concept of elevating others by opening his own catering company Rhyme and Reason Catering. With lark #39 at the gorgeous Cleobella being his official “lark” debut, we can’t wait to see what this eager and passionate chef has to offer.
Q & A
Which living Chef do you most admire?
Argentine Chef Francis Mallmann is absolutely fascinating. He emphasizes learning and a communal approach to the kitchen, which I love and respect. Also, he uses fire for everything, and I’ve always been a bit of a pyro.
What is the quality you most like in a meal?
Balance.
What do you consider your greatest culinary achievement?
Having my father tell others that I had surpassed his culinary talents.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My sense of humor.
What is your motto?
“Fortune favors the bold.”
Can you share a life changing culinary experience?
I had the fortunate opportunity to go on a post-graduation trip to Europe, a guided site-seeing experience over the course of three weeks, that took us to Rome, Florence, Paris, Interlaken, Bruges, and London.
In Rome I experienced veal for the first time in my life, something I didn’t foresee (but as they say, “When in Rome!”). Walking around the Forum and seeing the relics of that ancient world, I wondered to myself how the Romans must have eaten way back when those sites were first being developed– alongside of what would later come to be known as the “Western” world.
In Florence, I enjoyed prosciutto with cantaloupe for the first time, and had pizza for four days in a row.
Paris demonstrated to me the theatricality of cuisine, and I ate escargot in the Spanish Quarter one sweltering hot afternoon, after a long morning of touring the vast and vibrant city. In the same city on the Fourth of July (how American?!), our group ate at a restaurant that was cave-like in setting, and the appetizers and salad consisted of a large basket of cheese, cured meat, lettuce, and vegetables, with a knife so that every guest could take whatever they please, and pass the basket on to their neighbor.
In Interlaken, nestled between two crystal-blue glacial lakes, I learned that I have somewhat of disdain for white pepper, especially on my eggs.
A day later, (and one wicked Swiss hangover later), in Bruges, sitting underneath a centuries-old castle, I ate authentic Belgian waffles, with crisp, sweet strawberries, and the seemingly airiest whipped cream on Earth. Also, I became aware of their hip-as-could-be street vendors who almost exclusively sell potato fries– something oft attributed to the French, but originated in Belgium.
Finally, in England, I had pub food for the first time after crossing the English Channel into Canterbury, and was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Brits, with an elderly couple inviting us to sit along side them at their table in an otherwise full restaurant. On a day-trip to the Windsor Castle, I ate fish and chips, skin-on and bone-in, with probably the blandest coleslaw in all the land, and washed it down with a delicious blonde ale.
All in all, the experience taught me so much about myself, and about how different foods and cultures can be from place to place. My appreciation for the adventure of food grew exponentially. The gastronomy of a locale is what sticks out the most to someone who loves food. I felt, and still feel, so lucky and grateful to be able to create these memories. My trip to Europe was an incredible adventure that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
We had an amazing lark at Maia’s Cottage in Laguna Beach. Unsure of late October weather, we boldly stepped into a misty and windy day and began our prep, which thankfully included a gorgeous and highly functional fire pit designed by our friends at Haskell. Maia’s Cottage calm French Provincial vibe could not have been more perfect – as we flowed through the house with drinks, appetizers, introductions and greetings. As the weather stilled, we gathered under the stars to enjoy a heartfelt menu crafted by Chef Kyle Powers and Sous Chef Nelson who fortunately had the luxury of a gorgeous and functional kitchen.
