RAVS member Joy Valvano, whose baked goods have previously been available at Savory Thyme restaurant and at Lori's Natural Foods, has joined with Maria Lippa to open The Crescent Moon Bakery &Vegetaria at 277 Alexander St., 454-1070, across from the Rio and next to Old Toad pub. Hours are Tues.-Fri., 7AM - 6PM, Sat. 9AM-2PM.

Crescent Moon offers organic, whole-grain vegan breads, muffins, pastries and scones; soups, salads and sandwiches; and daily specials including homemade pasta, pizza and stuffed bread. Items are for takeout, but there are a few tables and chairs for customers. This makes yet another vegetarian restaurant in Rochester; moreover, all items on the menu are vegan. For patrons of Lori's, the baked goods will still be available there. The Multi-Grain Molasses Bread is simply the best bread your editor has ever tasted!

RAVS member Leena Isac operates a vegan bakery, Leena's Garden, 388-2128, out of her home in Penfield. Her baked goods are available at Savory Thyme and at the Genesee Cooperative Food Store, but cost less if ordered directly from her, and Leena will deliver if needed. Anyone who was lucky enough to get some of Leena's Chocolate Compassion Cake at the January meeting will tell you how delicious and beautifully decorated it was!

The dining page of the RAVS web site has an extensive list of great places to eat out vegetarian in Rochester!