James David Lark, B.S., LL.B., J.D., Law and Accounting, Maitre Sommelier Vins de France, Chevalier du Tastevin, Officier Maitre de Table L'Academie-Brillat-Savarin, Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, Commandeur du Bontemps Medoc & Graves. Jim Lark is old, old Detroit, his mother's French Canadian ancestors having moved to this area from Quebec in the mid-18th Century. After a variety of careers in Law and the builders industry in which he built some 1,000 homes, he and wife Mary opened The Lark in June, 1981. Jim's book The Ultimate Lark, In Search of Epicurian Adventure has won raves from many, including noted writers Elmore "Dutch" Leonard, Jim Harrison, and Len Barnes.

Jim, being part Prussian, is a perfectionist and prowls the restaurant searching for something to correct, have done, or to field questions about food, wine or travel. He is proud of the various sommelier honors bestowed upon him as well as the almost routine awards as our region’s best maitre 'd. He enjoys meeting with patrons and advising on food and wine selections.


Mary Lark, B.A. in Art, Dame Maitre de Table, Conferie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, Commandeur du Bontemps Medoc & Graves. Mary, also a native of Detroit, taught art in the public schools there, and has successfully exhibited her pottery in several art galleries in the area. This talent has enabled her to create a special ambience for the restaurant and, along with her daughter Adrian, maintain the charming gardens.