Farmer's Keep: Center City cafe is a healthy option

Farmer's Keep (10 S. 20th St., 215-309-2928) brings a fast-casual but healthful option to 20th and Market Streets.

Bucks County native Josh Bullock decided to end the series of silly bars that had occupied the low-slung building.

Farmer's Keep's menu - all seasonal - will be based on about 25 composed salads, leaf salads, grains, and proteins. Mostly all include local, natural, organic and sustainable ingredients, and everything is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and shellfish-free.

Pick what you want and build your own plate; it's all priced at $10 a pound. Beverages include house-pressed juices and locally made kombucha.

Seating is at tables and a communal table.

"The allergen-free aspect will attract a lot of people who are afraid to go out to eat," Bullock said. Chef Ian Natowsky previously worked for Starr Events.

Bullock intends to finish the roof as a deck, whose stairwell will be left open and visible to those in the dining room tio bring the elements sort of indoors. The deck also will house a bar - though Bullock said it would not be a hangout - rather a place to drink wine, have a bite to eat and socialize.

He's also planning a series of activities, including chef's demos and movie nights.

Hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.