What’s Percolating in LOMA

In an area targeted as key to Wilmington’s ongoing renaissance, the good folks at LOMA Coffee are “just trying to build a community,” says barista Terra Castelow. The Lower Market Street pioneer was one of the first on the block, and after two years is still going as strong as an extra-dark Italian roast. The corner café cheers with saffron-colored walls, lots of windows on the street and contemporary fixtures. A menu of coffee drinks, non-coffee drinks and great sandwiches—try the cranberry chicken salad—attracts legions from the neighboring DelTech, DCAD, county courthouse and LOMA-based marketing firms, as well as a growing number of new residents. “There really wasn’t much around here when we started,” Castelow says. “Now most of us are doing really well.” Next on the LOMA Coffee agenda: luring people to the neighborhood after work. Look for more music and art events in the evenings soon. (384-8494, lomacoffee.com)—Mark Nardone