Crumb & Kettle
Best Birthday Cake
Heather Harbord is the sugar artist behind Crumb & Kettle’s custom cakes, each of which is baked from scratch using organic ingredients and frosted with European-style buttercream. If you waited until the last minute, you can quick-order a signature cake with just seven days’ lead time.
Kuluntu Bakery
Best Bread Delivery
When you unwrap home baker Stephanie Leichtle-Chalklen’s naturally leavened sourdough, admire the beauty of her scoring (floral designs made with razor cuts) and flavors like cherry rooibos with cacao nibs. The best part: She dropped off this warm loaf just for you.
Familia Events and Catering
Best Caterer
Justo Blanco believes that meals are meant for sharing and that good hospitality should be carefully executed. That’s why he started Familia Events & Catering after 16 years in the food-and-beverage industry and 12 in corporate and social events. Chef Blanco brings a knowledge of worldwide cuisine (literally) to the table. 949-306-7876.
Barking Hound Village
Best Pet Boarder
There are many adorable things about Barking Hound Village, like the beautifully designed canine accommodations and the bone-shaped pools. But the sweetest of all may be its Facebook page, updated with the faces of its four-legged visitors throughout the workday.
Dwell with Dignity
Best Place to Donate
With so many worthy causes, it can be difficult to decide where to give your gently used goods. Consider Dwell with Dignity, which uses donations to create welcoming, nurturing homes for families transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. A list of items the organization accepts can be found at dwellwithdignity.org.
Bell’Invito Stationers
Best Stationer
When having custom stationery made, whether notecards or wedding invitations, it helps if your stationer is also an expert in etiquette. Bell’Invito’s Heather Wiese Alexander is. Choose from boxed notecards and assorted paper goods or go the custom route. Alexander’s etiquette text line is available either way.
