Luna Cafe: Going local in Old City

For her restaurant-ownership debut, Drexel MBA Sarah Levine has realized a longtime dream by setting up a quaint 30-seat BYO bistro in the heart of Old City.

Luna Cafe (317 Market St., 215-309-3140), opening Friday, Feb. 20, ascribes to the eco-friendly, fresh-and-local mantra where possible. "I want to have a community place," Levine said.

She called on former coworker Jordan Andino, who was cooking at the Westin Hotel's Winthorp & Valentine while she tended bar, to set up the menu.

Andino, now a New York-based consultant, worked alongside Bucks County-bred executive chef Matt Cummins on a focused, something-for-everyone list of soups, salads, and sandwiches (see menu here) with dishes for vegans and gluten-avoiders. Four dinner entrees carry a top price of $24, for the bay scallops over pea puree, topped with fried shallots and cauliflower puree.

Luna really intends to get cracking on weekends with egg/pancakes/French toast for brunch, plus baked goods from Wildflour.

There will be mixers for those who bring their own champagne or booze.

Cutesy interior takes advantage of the building's recessed doorway, which allows for a draft-free table by the window. Seating in the front is pretty much limited to small ables that back up to a to-go counter ringed with wooden pallets. Past the kitchen is a narrow bar - made of walnut from Levine's parents' property in the Poconos - outfitted with USB jacks, followed by a small rear dining room that can accommodate larger parties.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.