"After skipping the last five Zoom parties, you’re getting the sense that the friend group is kind of mad at you at the moment. Quick remedy - show up to the picnic with a box full of pastries from Republique. This iconic French restaurant is only about a five-minute drive from Pan Pacific and makes some of our favorite baked goods in the city. If you see the strawberry passion fruit pie or poppyseed bread behind the glass, bring them with you and all drama will be resolved. Also, you can order ahead online for takeout, so you don’t have to wait in line." - brant cox