Metropolitan Cafe sets opening date

Monday, Feb. 4 is the go-live date for Metropolitan Cafe, next to Metropolitan Bakery's flagship shop on 19th Street south of Rittenhouse Square (264 S. 19th St.).

Wendy Born and James Barrett (she's the brains, he's the chef) will have 20 seats in the mod, comfy setting. Menu will include pressed sandwiches made on Metropolitan sourdough bread, naturally leavened pizzas, warm fennel pretzels with Victory Brewing mustard, pot pies, house cured meats and gravlax, house-made pickles and root chips, veggie options, Green Street Coffee Roasters coffee and Premium Steep teas, and Metropolitan sweets, including fig bars, cookies and chocolate layer cake.

Born and Barrett - nearing 20 years in business, including a partnership with fellow White Dog Cafe alumnus Kevin Klause at Farmicia in Old City - also intend the cafe to become a neighborhood gathering spot after hours.

Regular hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Monday's grand opening will be an exception.