A bite from the Crescent City brought to Houston

When Linda Gandin moved from New Orleans to Houston about 30 years ago, her goal was to open a neighborhood cafe to provide flavors and specialty drinks reminiscent of the Crescent City.

"I fell in love with the coffee business," Gandin said. "I've been in the business for years. I wanted something small and with less stress. Mainly, I want to sell coffee and give people a place to relax. This business is so much fun. We want this to be everyone's community coffee house."

A year and a half after opening its doors, Crescent Moon Coffee Bar and Cafe has built a regular customer base by offering fresh ingredients and caffeinated concoctions. With the help of Gandin's daughter and barista, Maddy, the Gandins are on a first name basis with nearly every one of their guests.

"If we don't know the customer's name, we know their drink," Linda Gandin said. "Or we at least know what they do. I started [Crescent Moon] as a retirement job, and I think it is good for the community."

Crescent Moon is open for breakfast and lunch, and it specializes in French-style bakery items and gourmet desserts. Lunch items include fresh takes on old classics such as Caprese sandwiches with cured rosemary ham and a pesto spread, savory pesto chicken salad and distinctive quiches.

On Saturday mornings, Chef Eddy Harden stops in to man a made-to-order omelet station.

As a small operation, Crescent Moon carries baked goods and coffees from small vendors and manufacturers around the city, including Kraftsmen in The Heights off 22nd Street, The Hot Bagel Shop on South Shepard, Katz Coffee and Gourmet Bakery off Westheimer and Kirby Drive.

"Everything we carry is preservative free, and it's all local," Linda Gandin said. "We were looking for something where people could come together, and we wanted to include other local people in the community. A lot of people come in because they know what we carry and who we buy our products from."

Gandin's daughter, Maddy, works as the barista and has established various specialty drinks such as the Flogging Molly, which is made with espresso, vanilla and Irish crme. The Gandins also make their own cold-brewed toddy to use as a base for iced drinks and frappes made in-house.

"A lot of people drive into downtown or Montrose for places like this," Maddy Gandin said. "But now that we're here, people in the area don't have to waste the time or the gas. They can just come down the street."

Crescent Moon offers a discount to coffee drinkers who bring their own mug and provides a dog-friendly atmosphere.

Owner recommendations:

• Pesto chicken salad sandwich: Served chilled on seeded wheat bread with green grapes, chips and iced tea on the side ($8)
• Caprese sandwich: Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, cucumber. lettuce and a pesto mayonnaise are served on Italian ciabatta bread, with grapes, chips and iced tea ($8, add rosemary ham for $1)
• Quiche of the day: Linda Gardin creates various quiches daily with ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, egg and a crispy crust, served with mixed spring salad and iced tea ($6.44)
• Homemade apple pie: An American favorite ($3.25, when available)

Live music and patio

While the Gandins have extensive knowledge of cuisine and coffee, they also have a passion for music. In coming years, Linda and Maddy hope to establish an open acoustic guitar jam session in the cafe.

Although the patio services the entire strip, customers often enjoy Crescent Moon's sandwiches, desserts and specialty coffees under the small gazebo-style canopy, said restaurant owner Linda Gandin.

Crescent Moon Coffee Bar and Cafe, 12333 Jones Road, Houston, 832-296-1034, www.facebook.com/crescentmoonTX

Hours:

• Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Sat. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.