Hurricane Jane’s: Good Natured Service, Excellent Eatery

By: Colleen McCarthy
Posted In: Entertainment

After a long day exploring Newport after classes, my friend April and I and were exhausted. Exhausted and starving!

Famished, we stumbled upon an excellent eatery, stopping at the first moderately priced place we could find; Hurricane Jane’s Cafe and Deli.

Located at 198 Thames Street, on the second story above a T-shirt store, Jane’s is usually open from 7:30am to 6:30 or 7pm. They serve breakfast and “lunch & light fare” all day long, and do not currently accept credit cards.

That Tuesday, April and I were drawn by a large poster featuring ice cream, and the delicious smell of pancakes that was wafting down to the street. A neon sign in the window said “Open” but it was late, and we thought it might be closed.

We climbed the stairs anyway, and looked in the open doorway with trepidation. Two men were in the corner, putting up a TV stand, but the restaurant was otherwise deserted.

“Hey! Come in,” one of the men turned to us, “We’re supposed to be closing, but my wife just can’t stop cooking! What’re you in the mood for?”

“Food!” I answered a trifle desperately.

“Well, we’ve got that!” the man answered, grinning. He motioned for us to take a seat and brought two paper menus conveniently allowing me to swipe one for this review. We both ordered chicken salad wraps ($6.50) and sodas.

The restaurant was small, probably only 10 or 12 tables and counter space at the window. A large glass case abutted the cash register and displayed some delectable looking pastries.

Horizontal to that was the ice cream, about 8 or 10 different flavors. The decor was sparse and simple; a nautical theme, old pictures of Newport, quirky cut outs behind the counter, and nearly hidden at first glance, a large rowboat like the one seen on the sign outside. Both the owner and his wife were cheerful, friendly, and very welcoming.

April also remarked on the cozy, comfortable atmosphere. You automatically feel right at home and it’s easy to relax and forget that you’re at a restaurant.

It took longer for the food to arrive than my ravenous stomach would have liked, but it was worth the wait. The wrap had been grilled, and was savory, warm and soft with a flaky exterior. The chicken salad itself was one of the best I’ve had and as a whole the sandwich was delicious.

A word to the wise, however