About Our Company
WE BELIEVE GREAT GATHERINGS START WITH GENUINE HOSPITALITY
We’re on a mission.
We believe the best moments in life happen around the table. Goodness Gracious exists to build community by curating gatherings that bring people together and spark real connection.
At the heart of everything we do is hospitality in its truest form: generosity, empathy and genuine care for every person who walks through our doors. And of course, plenty of fun along the way.
Whether it's an intimate dinner, a celebration with the people you love, or a long table full of new friends, we're here to make every gathering feel warm, welcoming and unforgettable.
We're so glad you're here!
Paloma Apgar | General Manager & Director of Hospitality
Paloma is a Glen Ellen native, raised on a rural vineyard and winery on top of Mt. Veeder (Sky Vineyards). Wine, food, and the people who make them have shaped her whole life. She has spent more than 20 years in food and wine across Sonoma and Napa Valley, with roots at Stark Reality Restaurants, Robert Mondavi Winery, and her own freelance catering.
A graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt with a degree in International Political Science, Paloma brings a deep reverence for farm-to-table cooking and a commitment to supporting local growers and makers. She also has a love of floral arts. Her gift is creating special occasions that showcase the bounty of Sonoma County, bring guests together around the table, and leave everyone wanting more.
Outside of work, Paloma is an avid gardener who loves to read and to find remote spots to camp across Northern California.
Brian Gomez | Culinary Director
Brian Gomez's culinary path began in his mother's kitchen. His family comes from Oaxaca, and though Brian was born in Mexico City, he spent most of his youth in Northern California, watching and helping his mother prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes. Her chicken mole negro was a family favorite, and those early days shaped his lasting love of comforting, authentic food.
His professional journey began alongside his mother at a local Mexican restaurant in Humboldt County, where he learned early how much hard work and dedication go into an exceptional meal. After high school, Brian moved to Sonoma County and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, working full-time in restaurants throughout his studies, from busser and prep cook to line cook. After eight years in professional kitchens, he chose to follow his true passion and commit fully to cooking.
Brian's cooking centers on refined comfort food, bringing traditional Mexican flavors and techniques together with modern practices, a natural fit for Songbird's focus on simple, high-quality ingredients executed with precision. His menus showcase modern Mexican and Californian cuisine inspired by Sonoma County's farms, with deep respect for the Latino workers, farmers and vineyard crews whose work sustains the region's food and wine. His dishes are made to honor both the ingredients and the people who produce them. When he's not in the kitchen, you might find him browsing antique stores in search of the perfect spoon.