Ask Goodie Bag - Goodie Bag Events

Q: There are so many bakeries around! Where are the best places to get my baked treats?

A: There is no easy answer to this one! Are you looking for a homemade taste or a fancy cake? For custom, adorable, no hassle treats, you need Sweet E's bakery. Every mini cupcake is decorated specifically for your occasion and you can even get cupcakes with your personal logo or face on it! The cupcake tower is its own piece of décor and you don't have to worry about a thing because they are delivered and beautifully assembled for you! (www.sweetesbakeshop.com) If you need something last minute, the truth is that Ralph's has some of the best bakery items...and you can't beat the price! Looking for a storefront bakery? We love Yummy cupcakes above all others; moist, flavorful, and unique combinations. www.yummycupcakes.com.

If you are looking for a high-end bakery, Huckleberry in Santa Monica is your place. Owner and head baker Zoe Nathan trained at the famed San Francisco bakery, Tartine, and is pretty much dominating Los Angeles with her baking genius. Noted for fresh rustic breads, flakey croissants, and seasonal puddings and crostadas, this bakery will not disappoint. www.huckleberrycafe.com And of course Goodie Bag is always available for any home baked dessert needs.

Q: I want to throw a party for a charity I really care about and I need help planning it and raising money!

A: Contact Goodie Bag. We have creative fundraising ideas, and can help with the planning and execution of any event, big or small. Goodie Bag is a great friend of The Charity Angels so together we can put together an effective and amazing event for you. The Charity Angels will put together your entire raffle or silent auction for you as well as sell your tickets so you don't have to worry about much (www.thecharityangels.com). We structure our fees differently for charity events.

Q: I have guests in from out of town this weekend....where should I make dinner reservations?

A: If you have guests coming in then you want to show them the best sides of your town so pick a restaurant that has great people watching and great food. This means you may be going to a place where reservations are a little tough to get last minute so make plans ahead of time. If you can't plan ahead and you can't get a table at your desired time, let the hostess know that you are willing to wait a bit at the bar. We suggest making reservations at your favorite steakhouse, trendy sushi, or favorite Italian place. The key to a great experience for an out of Towner is to think what type of food and ambience they like. Generally a restaurant with busy bar will make for a fun and energizing experience. Highly Recommended for an LA experience: Maestros Steakhouse, Boa on Sunset, Cicconi's on Melrose, Dan Tanas on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Q: I'm having a birthday dinner and I don't want to make my friends have to pay for a super expensive dinner but I still want to have a good time. Where should I go?

A: Restaurants with an affordable menu and inexpensive cocktails are key for big group dinners. The ideal place for this type of night is to pick a restaurant with lots of menu items that everyone wants to share so that when it comes to splitting the bill it isn't awkward and people don't get resentful about paying extra. Mexican places are always a great option because they are generally inexpensive, you can get pitchers of margaritas, and everyone loves it. Highly recommend: Dominick's on Beverly Boulevard, Oakfire Pizzeria & Pub on La Cienega, El Coyote on Beverly Boulevard.

Q: My friends and I want to grab a drink and have a decent meal after work but we don't want to spend too much....where should we go?

A: Expensive restaurants all over the city offer amazing happy hour deals...just to name a few: Chaya, Boa, The Belmont, but the truth is that you can really make any restaurant a budget friendly place by splitting entrees and sides. You would be surprised at how accommodating restaurants are ...who needs all that extra food—it just goes to your thighs anyway.

Q: It's 2am and I'm starving! Where can I get something good to eat because fast food is just gross?

A: Even in a big city like Los Angeles, quality late night dining is hard to find. Fortunately Pacific Dining Car in Santa Monica and Downtown is open 24hrs a day for juicy steak even at 4am! This LA institution is unique not just for the scrumptious food, you get linen napkin dining at any hour and you can even order pancakes for dinner! www.pacificdiningcar.com

Q: I have to plan a bachelorette party and I don't have time to make it special because I work so much....what can I do without spending too much?

A: Being a Maid of Honor or bridesmaid is more hassle than glamour and we know what you are going through. But trust us, a little effort to make the experience unique and memorable for the bride and the bridal party goes a LONG way. You don't have to spend big bucks or spend hours planning something. You can get custom printed tote bags filled with candy or tchatkis with the bride's name and date that she will always remember, or make spa day special with embroidered bathrobes for the bridal party. What about a manicure gift set that has the bride's color and a custom label on it? The possibilities are endless and we can help you narrow down the best way to make you a standout friend to the bride.