I mentioned to the hotel staff that I was headed to the Monte Carlo's Cupcakery ( rated one of the 12 best in nation) and the desk clerk at Extended Stay said go where the locals go about a 2 block drive west to GiGi's( near Raising Cane's fab chicken strips)
I got 4 small cupcakes and a big Pecan Praline cupcake to go. Then went to the Cupcakery and got a Kir Royale and a Bugsey to go. So when I got back to Laguna Beach 4 hours later... the four small cupcakes had some how melted in my mouth in delectible bites spaced out hourly on the ride back.
I split the others the next day with a date...We both agreed GiGi's was by far better ingredients/taste. Pricing and packaging at both places is similar. Cupcakery has the prime location and ambiance but GiGi's does need to work on being more welcoming. Husband and wife and limited staff due to budget constraints make for long hours and tired personnel. Their product is not Carlos bakery in Hoboken NJ but I enjoyed my Friday am cupcakes from this shop.