Lincoln is the more ambitious Pasadena bakery-cafe from chef Christine Moore and business partner Pam Perkins. Offerings overlap some with sister establishment Little Flower Candy Co. I typically prefer to order daily specials or pull from the tantalizing display case. On a recent visit, I was surprised to find an atypical bialy.

I’ve enjoyed bialys before on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, including at old school Kossar’s Bialys, where the bagel’s airier cousin simply consists of “high gluten flour, the best brewers yeast, New York tap water, fine salt, and freshly ground onions.” Lincoln’s chewy bialy ($3.50) is decidedly more complex, embellished with a crispy bacon thatch, rich Béchamel, crusty melted Gruyere, and chives in a central indentation. Siding’s studded with black sesame and caraway seeds, which dial up the flavor and texture even further. Bonus: Lincoln will gladly warm their bialys and any other item you like.

Dose of Vitamin P spotlights my favorite pork dish from the previous week.