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.
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 little “bluffer” –2018 The Bluffer Valdiguié–from our friends @winc thoroughly enjoyed on a lark at Urban Americana.Beef tenderloin + beets: golden berry. golden beet. shish leaves / strawberry. red beet. Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
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 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!
+ + + + +
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
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
We are thrilled to have created a fast + fun way to get our creative juices flowing, uplift each other and thank our collaborators.
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
Super thankful to @mat3.photography for spot-on capturing this carefree + dreamy vibe! Images captured at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach.
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
We always appreciate @lunareececeramics who shared with us her latest designs, LOVE! You will always find her hand-made ceramics adorning our communal table. Dried florals by our favorite florist @frenchbuckets of Lido Marina Village.
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
Of course, Stylist Mayson Hauck always knows how to fem things up – thanks for the gorgeous dress + props!
Why wait for opportunity, when you can create it. Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cover State Beach.
Create. Collaborate. Elevate. Come on a lark with us!
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
