A Guide To The Best of Southern California : FOOD : Baby Cakes

SOMETIMES THE grandest gesture is best served by the smallest of trinkets. And while the miniature wedding cakes sold at The Bakery on Melrose aren’t exactly Cartier, they are jewels in their own right. Just 5 inches in diameter and 6 inches high, these three-tiered cakes are perfect, tiny versions of the traditional wedding cake.

The mini-cakes ($22.50 each) come in white- or chocolate-cake versions with apricot or raspberry filling, and The Bakery prides itself on using only pure, natural ingredients and flavorings. What could be more perfect for an anniversary celebration--or perhaps to sweeten a marriage proposal?

The Bakery on Melrose, 7261 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (213) 934-4493.