The something turned out to be Jack & Luna’s Café, celebrating its seventh anniversary this year. They’re busier than ever, according to Julie, and now offer live jazz nights once a month, too.
Her husband built the business for her, Julie says, but it was also his intention all along to have live jazz there. Chris used his acoustical expertise to enhance the sound quality at the Café, and now the breakfast and lunch spot that normally closes at 4 p.m. opens up at night once a month to host live jazz with Chris on drums. “He says it’s the greatest gig he could ever have hoped for,” says Julie, “ten minutes from home, and his drums here so he doesn’t have to schlep things back and forth.” People are very appreciative of the music, she says, and Chris brings in talented musicians from all over the area.
Full-time students with ID may request discount admission, and reservations are accepted for parties of six or more. The Bowmans suggest early arrival on live-music nights, as shows often sell out to capacity.
The regular daytime menu is offered on jazz nights, along with beer, wine, soft drinks and desserts. Jack & Luna’s baker, Culinary Institute grad Lori Traver (“who makes wonderful baked goods and beautiful, amazing cakes,” says Julie), usually creates a special cake or dessert for the live-music nights.
The Café does a good side business in custom-order cakes for special occasions, Julie says, and catering, on-site and off-, is a big part of the business as well. They cater private parties, and even things like feeding a crew doing nearby photo shoots. “We’ve done that for the people from Victoria’s Secret about six times now,” says Julie.
For more information, visit www.jackandlunas.com.
Jack & Luna’s Café, open seven days a week, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m. on live music nights, sets at 7:30 and 9 p.m., $10, 3928 Main Street, Stone Ridge; (845) 687-9794, https://jackandlunas.com. Read more about local cuisine and learn about new restaurants on Ulster Publishing’s dinehudsonvalley.com.
