Five questions for Lincoln and Little Flower chef Christine Moore

Christine Moore is the chef and co-owner of the new Lincoln in Pasadena. She’s also the woman behind the local shop Little Flower Candy Co., beloved for its caramels and marshmallows. Moore says she’s been in the restaurant business her entire adult life, with stints as a waitress, caterer, baker and manager. Growing up surrounded by Jewish delis in North Jersey, Moore fell in love with pickles, pastrami, rye bread, latkes and bagels.

At Lincoln, the house-made gravlax comes on brown bread, and Moore has created a space where customers can sip Stumptown coffee, dig into a wedge of leek quiche and grab a couple of pastry chef Cecilia Leung’s cookies, croissants and financiers to take home. Moore is also preparing huevos rancheros, pancakes and various grain bowls for breakfast; a grilled salmon sandwich on brioche; a hanger steak salad with plancha potatoes and a hearty charcuterie and cheese plate. And near the register, you can still pick up bags of the chocolates, candies and Little Flower Candy Co. caramels you know and love.

What restaurant do you find yourself going to again and again, and what do you order? Ponci Burrito Express at 2291 N. Lincoln in Altadena, for cabeza tacos.

What’s one piece of kitchen equipment you can’t live without, other than your knives? My Le Creuset Dutch oven and my cast-iron skillet.

Favorite kitchen soundtrack? Blind Pilot, First Aid Kit, Father John Misty, Stephane Wrembel.

Your favorite day off away from the kitchen is ... Hanging with my three kids, farmers market, home with kids, impromptu dinner, good music, delish wine, food and friends.

The last cookbook you read, and what inspired you to pick it up? “Das Cookbook” by Hans Röckenwagner. I was drawn in by the beautiful photos by Staci Valentine. Just beautiful. Also David Lebovitz’s “My Paris Kitchen.” It’s just a beautiful book through and through. Reminds me of being back in France. I love this book.

1992 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, (626) 765-6746, www.lincolnpasadena.com

Want to learn more about L.A. chefs? Follow me on Twitter @Jenn_Harris_