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 so thrilled to have discovered a fast + fun way to get our creative juices flowing, uplift each other and thank our collaborators.
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.
This time we also get to show off a gorgeous Moroccan rug sourced from our gal, Mary O’Dell, at happy_tapis.
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!
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!
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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
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!
Q. What is your idea of a perfect outfit?
A. The perfect outfit is something you are comfortable and confident in.
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.”
It was summer, lark was growing and our biggest challenge, TIME, becoming more challenging. We had thought about “the leap” a thousand times, even writing our perfect life scenario: time for all the things that make a life well, a life. The day arrived. Courage, confidence and faith showed up and swept fears aside.
I had worked at Concept Studio Inc. for a little under two years. From day one, I always felt it was informing me with its character, dedication and beauty. My co-workers were more like family with a colorful and inspiring history. A pretty bow on everything. A shiny and evolving showroom gleaming with style and beauty. But, it was time.
My voice cracked when I shared the news, an emotion over took me-completely by surprise. I really felt for the people I worked with and cherished the relationships and I was sad to leave them behind…but then a funny thing happened. A real life best-case-scenario. They were sticking with me after all. They supported and encouraged me. They rang with ideas and excitement. All of which I am so very grateful. It was therefore an honor to create a special lark holiday, just for us.
Popping up in a home brings a certain intimacy and this beautiful space was no exception. We dined outdoors (yes, we are in California) with a view of a gorgeous kitchen on one side-to enjoy prep + plate-and a well manicured garden on the other, twinkle lights all around. Wine poured, candles burned, music played all while enjoying the lost art of conversation.
Our return to the DTLA loft of Lawrence Fodor was warm and welcoming thanks to the generosity of the artist in residence and the gorgeous people who gathered at our communal table.
We loved sharing with our guests how this talented artist recreates allegorical masterpieces from the past and transforms them into gorgeous relevant abstract visual paintings that translates to the modern world.
Chef Kyle Powers put all his good energy into a phenomenal menu – it helps to have an actual kitchen!
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MENU by Chef Kyle Powers:
1/buzz button tea 2/split pea soup w/langostino mouse, smoked ham + korean pancake 3/Beef carpaccio salad w/avocado-cauliflower puree + caper berries 4/Braised black cod, crispy black rice, kimchi tomato sauce, pickled fennel chutney 5/coffee flour pancake, whipped chocolate maple butter, salted pumpkin seed brittle
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We are grateful to have Wine Aficionado Tyler Rodriguez helping with plate + pour to keep all the good vibes flowing.
We also are thankful Alex Samples help us rock the entire event from gates to freight elevators to plates in/out and final wrap – in this stunning outfit.
Special thanks to: @lunareececeramics, @frenchbuckets, @hartleycashhaus, @theurbanspring, @bodylanguageyoga, @thestorytellerstudio. Photo credit goes to Mitch Maher of MBMaher.com who is also our favorite conversationalist. Create + Collaborate + Elevate
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.
Next lark Thursday 11/15/18 at The Hangout on 4th Street’s “Retro Row” in Long Beach. Grab your curious + adventurous friends and come on a lark with us!
We had the most amazing time setting our communal table at the ultra hip designer playground Urban Americana in East Long Beach. The space is so inviting and inspirational… to walk through the warehouse listening to music and taking in beautiful elements of design was magical. Add friends (old and new), great conversation, delicious food and wine pairing (thanks Chef Kyle Powers, Tyler Rodriguez & crew!), a touch of style…. ah, well, there you have lark!
Thanks to all the beautiful people who who came together to make this night possible.
1. pistachio + cashew apple butter toast
2. heirloom tomato salad basil oil tomato water basil flowers burrata grey salt.
3. brussel sprout tortelli, black garlic dust, crispy mortadella * sub king mushroom for vegan *
4. smoked then fried duck, sage waffle, luxardo cherry sauce, green onion tahini puree. *vegan option: sesame and macadamia crusted tempah, fried rainbow cauliflower, green onion tahini*
5. peach tea whiskey (by stillhouse) infused strawberries, smoked cream, sable cookie, brulee figs.
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Organic. Modern. Inspirational.
Lark inspired by Chris Greer, owner of Urban Americana / Images captured by the lovely and talented @taliadecoite / Hand-made ceramics by our favorite artisan Andrea of @lunareececeramics / Wine Aficionado Tyler Rodriguez / Fashion inspired by @stylingbyjo / Overall awesomeness by @laurabrophyinteriors + @jaxsea / Pure water + Wilson’s Coffee by @theurbanspring / Cool finds by @shopkeye
It’s official, the dog days of summer are here! Our super hot guerrilla lark at Casa Blanca in downtown Long Beach took this fashionable crew on an adventure in style, food and conversation.
This fast, fun and unpredictable style of setting communal tables and sharing meals allows our crew to express themselves, generate ideas and inspiration, create beautiful imagery, highlight and thank our collaborators and dream of future larks.
We are grateful to all the beautiful people who gathered to make this a memorable experience – no doubt, a precursor to our upcoming lark communal dinner party at the super hip Cleobella Beach Bungalow in Sunset Beach.
Organic, modern. inspirational communal dining.
Come on a lark with us!
Open invite, limited seats.
16792 14th Street Sunset Beach, CA 92651 (Cross streets: PCH & 14th Street)
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Friday, August 17, 2018, 6:30pm-9:30pm $125 per person, all-inclusive good vibes, four course menu & wine pairing Purchase tickets*: Let’s Go On A Lark!
*Non-refundable/absolutely transferable
Images feature:
Beautiful pots + plates by @lunareececeramics
Gorgeous (& fun) fashion + bags by @cleobella
Delicious food by Chef Dan Perlof @rhymeandreasoncatering
Stunning Floral by @frenchbuckets
Conversation and creativity by all, including: @laurabrophyinteriors @jaxsea @billyaloha
Location, cocktails and photos by the talented Mitch Maher of MBMaher.com
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 #39at 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.
This 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 crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers.
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 + + + + +
Four Course Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers ofFork In the Road Catering and Wine Pairing by wine aficionado Tyler Rodriguez