Meet Chef Benjamin Martinek | Laguna Beach, California

Chef Benjamin Martinek grew up in Colorado and had a family that (fortunately) loved both travel and food.  As a person of both adventure and discipline, he began his professional relationship with food, working in a restaurant, at the age of 11 – moving on to the kitchen at age 16. Fittingly this explorer made his way to California to attend culinary school in San Francisco. Here he grew his talents at fine dining establishments — and proudly became a husband & father. Now, as a family, they continue the tradition of embracing both travel and food. Calling Southern California home for over a decade, Benjamin practices his craft in the challenging and rewarding luxury resort kitchens along the coast.

If we could use three words to describe Benjamin, it would be responsible, thoughtful, and creative.  We can’t wait to see what magic comes from our lark on 1/8/18 in Seal Beach –which, as of today, sold out; however you are welcome to come along though our stories and imagery.

1U6A0063 1U6A0011 1U6A0750

Lark #33 w/Chef Kyle Powers @ Maia’s Cottage in Laguna Beach, California

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.

Much gratitude to all who came together (Our adventurous, gregarious, gracious guests, Haskell ,The Urban SpringLuna ReeceTypebird Creative , Dot & Armythe Weathered Captain  & Jaxsea) to make this a lark to remember. Many thanks to Bruce, Maia & Tess for welcoming us into their dreamy and beautiful home!

SoCal Communal Dining, California style.

Simple. Refreshing. Inspirational.

Photos by the talented James Huddleston https://happyhuddphoto.com/surf/

23559420_970686159738162_6674168031930972482_n 23559640_970686079738170_3499119474747094000_n 23559785_970686089738169_2516872127832643426_n 23621296_970685893071522_5440462425024633707_n 23658553_970686003071511_3216742815405044171_n 23658595_970685959738182_1444231797452845294_n

Lark #21 + Chef Kyle Powers + The Potting Shed in Orange, California

How fortunate we are to create and collaborate people who love their craft! Jack Carlisle and his talented crew created the most beautiful setting for our chef inspired dinner. We dined on picturesque farmhouse tables showcasing gorgeous floral arrangements above and below – a true garden adventure.

This welcoming communal table was surrounded by boundless items of interest, causing one to pause every few steps to comment or share a deep-rooted memory.

Mirroring this engaging environment was our “bloom within” menu carefully crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers. Delicious Papusas served with fresh herbs, flavorful Chestnut & Squash soup with floating grilled cheese (do try this at home!), Chicken, Filet & Blue Corn Tamale sharing the same platter – we were loving it!

Our favorite moment came when, during the dinner, Jack shared the history of the building – which was one of the very first Ford dealerships. We learned they often held their own parties (even in the days of prohibition) and could count among their guests Walt Disney himself! While taking this in, we raised our glasses to the idea that we are a part of its story. What a true honor!

A huge thank you to all our guest, you are the ones who make each lark magical. Thank you to the talented Steve Orlick for capturing the moment! dsc09944dsc09948dsc00227dsc00163dsc09978

dsc00010

dsc00042dsc00125

Lark + Chef Kyle Powers + Sourced Collective | Lovin’ it Up in Laguna Beach, California

Thank you to all who attended our lark at Sourced Collective a charming old blue a-framed house on Glenneyre Street “where dreamers become doers”. We gathered around the communal table to enjoy the art of conversation, become inspired by design, raise our glasses in unison and enjoy delicious food.

We are grateful for our adventurous guests, Host Michelle Mercado, Chef Kyle Powers, Mike Otto of Tolosa Winery, Wunderland & Co., LetterSparrow and Andrea Luna Reece. We also had the pleasure of meeting @inviscus who brought their good vibes, appetites and curiosity to capture our story:

 

Thursday 3/24/16 Menu curated by CHEF KYLE POWERS {fork in the road catering}

upon arrival and paired w/chefs choice blackberry pie martini:

lobster roll toast + pickled mushroom flatbread

on the table and paired w/Tolosa Wine:

spicy clam in broth sip

grilled little gem w/picked plum & gorgonzola topped w/plum vinaigrette

skirt steak w/egg, celery root, beans chimi sauce.

Sweet coffee bread pudding w/lavender budino

⌘veggie option⌘ mushroom ravioli w/capers, celery leek puree & herb oil micro salad garnish

Simple. Refreshing. Inspirational.

Come on a lark with us!

# # #

Lark + Chef Kyle + 503found in Newport Beach, California

We will forever revel in our super fun lark at the beautiful 503found. Chef Kyle delivered BIG time on effort and flavor. He crafted his own makeshift kitchen steps away from our communal table and served up a fine menu. Music flowed, wine was poured and friends were made in the midst of the beautiful, eclectic artwork and furnishings.

We had a beautifully styled table thanks to our lark crew, 503found’s offerings, and the hand-lettered menus created by LetterSparrow.

Thank you to all the beautiful people who attended, we are grateful to the good energy and love you brought to this occasion. We hope we inspired you to come on a future lark!

In closing, we are super thankful to Kim J., owner of 503found, for her free spirit, style and inspiration. 503found is housed in a former boathouse sure to be full of good times and stories – and we are proud to have added to them.

Special thanks to Photographer Brian Tropiano, Marisa Powers, & Lark stylists: Ginger Wallace, Monique Schulfer & Catherine Rex.

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0063

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0066

Proofs_Lark@503_0071
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Proofs_Lark@503_0086
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found
Proofs_Lark@503_0091
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Since we are dreamers…

We went ahead an entered West Elm’s Local Small Business Grant contest!

http://www.latimes.com/home/la-lh-west-elm-to-offer-grant-20140811-story.html

In 75 characters or less, tell us about your business.*

Simple. Refreshing. Inspired. Stylish Underground Dining & Marketplace.

In 145 characters or less, tell us how this grant will help you achieve your business goals.* 

It will provide the resources to establish our own location and grow our offerings to include Design Consultation and eCommerce.

Tell us why and how you started your business.* 

To nurture and inspire individuals, making this a better world, even for a moment.  We began our business by “popping” up in various locations, including parks, boutiques and private residences.  Popping us allows us to keep our overhead costs low while we learn what works best for everyone.  Our motto is to “do, reflect, refine, & do again”.     

What do you love most about what you do?*

We love making ideas happen, with the perfect combination wit & whimsy,  just to see where it goes and how it inspires others.   We get to style locations, enjoy food + wine,  and have great conversations.

Tell us about your current work. What do you make? What’s special about the construction or materials used?*

We style our underground dinner party and marketplace locations.  We scout, acquire materials, and talent.  We use West Elm products as well as local designers to make our space beautiful and inspirational.

What 3 words would you use to describe your work and why?*

First would be “lark” because it is a true adventure!  Second would be “Inspired” because this is our goal.  Third would be “Refreshing” because it’s always fresh.

What are your goals for your business and your vision for growth?*

To open a quaint Brick & Mortar that offers Curated Goods, Event Space and Design Consultation.  Because it’s so much fun, we will continue producing underground dining and marketplace events, expanding to cities around the world, to facilitate the positive impact of design and community.

###

Here’s to all the dreamers!

xo~L

31Bits

Inspiration (Retrospective). Lou-Lou’s House. Circa 1981.

When I was about 10 years old, I was invited to visit my friend Lou-Lou’s house in Bel Marin Keys.  My schoolmate had never mentioned anything about home and I had no expectations other than to play games, eat candy and watch movies.  As it often happens when visiting someone’s home, her life unfolded as I walked through the doors. I encountered calm and serene house, nothing standing out with the exception of several older sisters coming and going.  To my surprise her mom gave me direct attention and was obviously delighted by our child-adult conversation.  When the opportunity arose, we ventured outside and suddenly all my senses came to life.  Her mom had the most beautiful garden sanctuary I had ever seen.  It was child friendly and we able to tromp wherever we wanted without fear of reprimand.  The wild flowers and plants were intentionally unkempt; it was perfect and welcoming.  Their colors made the most delightful bouquets and changed throughout the day. The wrought iron garden furniture with stripped patterned pillows fit in as if they grew there themselves.   The feeling this Mediterranean garden evoked was so strong, I wanted to root myself to the ground and never leave – and in a way, I never did.   xo~L

8a17f3750d7fa5b69605dcb34ec798bd