Q+A with Jasmina Jaskovic of CASA CDM | Corona del Mar, CA

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 creativesā€”and 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 Jaskovicā€™s 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

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Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I was born and grew up in Fallingbostel, Germany. And I now live with my family in Corona del Mar, California.

Why did you open the gallery?

To show my love for craftsmanship through local artists and objects that have character and meaningā€”and 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.

Have you read or watched anything good lately?

Yes, may I recommend The Perfect Couple and Bad Monkey?

What is your idea of perfect happiness?  

My children being happy and healthy 

We have a feeling like fashion, who are your favorite designers?

Jil Sander, The Row, and a whole lot of vintage. 

College for pursing a Creative role such as yours, yay or nay? 

I am all for school. Do you necessarily need it…? Overall, I feel any advanced education couldn’t hurt. 

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Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us!

Friday, 11/15/24, w/the talented Chef Matthew Roberts

Although this lark is sold out, we invite you to come along through our images & stories.

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Q+A with Stylist Christina Peterson | Huntington Beach, CA

Lark has always been ā€œtalent forwardā€ whereas we work shoulder to shoulder with like-minded creatives to make things happen. We love to invite people to put their own spin on the larkā€”and that leads us to introduce Curator + Stylist Christina Peterson. Take a dive below the surface to learn more about her with these Proust inspired dinner party questions: 

Christina Peterson captured on a guerrilla lark/creative sesh in Corona del Mar by James (Huddy) Huddleson

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Cerritos, California (shout out to C-Town!) and spent my early adulthood in Los Angeles. I later settled in Surf City aka Huntington Beach.

Have you always liked style & design? 

Absolutely! Iā€™ve been obsessed with style and design ever since I tried to coordinate my crayons by color as a kid. Letā€™s just say, my coloring book was the most fashionable one in the class!

Any early memories in this realm that tie in with lark? 

Iā€™ll never forget the days of transforming my bedroom into my makeshift cafe, complete with menu options written in crayon. Nowadays, lark dinner parties are a bit more sophisticated, but the spirit of fun still remains.

Are you the chef at home?

Absolutely! I’m the head chef, sous chef, and the dishwashing staff too. My kitchen, my rulesā€”unless someone else is cooking, then it’s their domain.

What is your prize ingredient? 

Itā€™s always better with butter. 

Has the way you entertain evolved based on your experience with lark? 

Iā€™m all about those homey vibes and throwing dinner parties that are a mix of pretty and totally unexpected ā€“ just like a lark! 

Any favorite food memories? 

One of my fondest food memories is watching my mom expertly craft lumpia, a beloved Filipino dish that holds a special place in my heart. 

Can you describe your perfect day? 

Going to watch a Dodgers game.

Who would you like to dine withā€”if you could choose anyone in the world? 

Issa Rae

What inspires you? 

Architecture and real, down-to-earth conversations with genuine people light me up. Beautiful buildings and authentic vibesā€”my favorite combo of inspiration.

What is your most marked creative characteristic? 

Fashion is where I leave my most vivid creative footprint, expressing myself through color and style with every outfit.

Christina Peterson captured by @candacerockphoto on a lark at The Sunlight House in Newport Beach

How does one benefit from attending a lark?

Attending a lark offers not just a meal, but a rich social connection, shared experiences, and newfound friendships.

What advice do you give someone wanting to throw their own dinner party? 

My top tip? Set the vibe! Your energy sets the tone, so keep it fun and easygoing. The food matters, but the good times you create matter even more!

Christina Peterson captured by @candacerockphoto on a guerrilla lark in CdM

Any fun or interesting stories to share behind-the-scenes lark? 

There were so many comical mishaps and funny moments BTS of larks that trying to remember them or even list them all would require an entire evening of storytelling and laughter.

What alternative occupations have you entertained, real and imagined? 

From lifeguarding to coaching swimmers to navigating the choppy waters of advertising, Iā€™ve done it all. Now, as a full-time Mom, my days are a whirlwind of school runs, sports practices and games, and navigating the joys and challenges (and boy, are there challenges!) of parenting through the teenage years.

We know you love music, whose first on your playlist? 

John Mayerā€˜s music is like a musical embrace for my soul. 

What is your motto? 

Love + Learn.

Christina Person captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at The Salt Horse in Laguna Beach by @missmphotography

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Christina is always up for a lark and can give us fashion inspiration weeks in advance OR on-the-fly. Her staple advice? Wear what makes you feel goodā€”and add bold lip!

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.

Come on a lark with us! 

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Lark x Travers Residence x Chef Kyle Powers ~ Newport Beach

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:

Espresso martini

Blood orange + jalapeƱo spicy margarita 

Strawberry basil margarita 

1/crab + corn chowder, poblano, focaccia toast

Paired w/Penfolds 311 Chardonnay

2/mushroom salad, dandelion greens, pickled fresnos, garlic chips

Paired w/Groth Sauvignon Blanc

3/cioppino (white fish) tomato broth, white beans

Paired w/Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir

4/chocolate, chocolate, chocolate

Paired w/Wilson’s Organic Cold Brew Coffee

Birthday cake by @mcakesweets ā˜†

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˜†

producer Alissa Travers
photos @vacation_media_
florals @ferncottageflorals
chef @mrforky of @forkintheroadcatering
tapas plates @lunareececeramics
stylist Christina Peterson
cake @mcakesweetsĀ 
poet Nick Banning

& friends! ā˜†

Image captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Travers Residence by @vacation_media_

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Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

On a lark with VoyageLA! | Los Angeles, California

November 13, 2018

Many thanks to the VoyagerLA for reaching out to us and sharing our story!

Here is a link to the article:

http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-lisa-gutierrez-martinez-lark-huntington-beach/

We hope to see you on a lark soon! xo~l

Lisa Martinez on a lark at The Hood Kitchen Space in Costa Mesa

 

 

Orange Coast Magazine: Off-The-Grid Dining Events

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 ā€“ old and new ā€“ 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.

Photo credit to MB.Maher.com

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Four Course Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers of Fork In the Road Catering and Wine Pairing by wine aficionado Tyler Rodriguez.

Starters:Ā  Spicy mango shrimp on avocado toast
Welcome drink:Ā Corn Whiskey Old Fashion

On the table + Paired with WineĀ 

1/Shaved mushroom salad w/pecorino fennel cilantro and onion vinaigretteĀ 2/Mortadella & lobster chowderĀ 3/Advieh spiced lamb chop, braised lamb, with melting Yukon potato & fried greensĀ 4/Pistachio ice cream in cinnamon tart, saffron apricot culi & spicy pear

>>>Veggie Option <<<

1/Shaved mushroom salad w/pecorino fennel cilantro & onion vinaigrette
2/Chili broth w/Farro & Beans
3/Roasted cabbage wedge w/melting potato and fried greens

On a super fun lark at Isles Interiors in Newport Beach