By: Morgan Rizzo | Staff Writer
Green ivy cascades down the rustic brick wall, inviting a line of famished customers into the homey atmosphere of Cru Cafe, nestled behind an antique car museum off Bellevue Avenue. Laminated photographs of Newport tourist attractions dot wooden picnic tables signifying customers dining in. Framed clippings of local newspapers, captured moments of sailors on the water, and antique tennis racquets are scattered among the wood paneled walls.
The pop of corks off bottles of Veuve Clicquot followed by high pitched cheers fill the chilly morning air celebrating Mr. Right getting down on one knee. Customers dip their toasted rye into the stream of yolk pouring from their over-easy eggs and cleanse their palettes with freshly brewed hot coffee. The stomachs of rowdy college boys gurgle as they impatiently wait in the long but fast-moving line to cure their Sunday hangover. The friendly staff is recognizable in v-cut black t-shirts with a simple emblem on the upper left side hustling to bus empty food stained plates off the tables. When they turn my small, iced vanilla chai into a large, or slip an extra blueberry scone into the bag, it always brightens my day.
Serving homemade breakfast all day, Cru Cafe welcomes both early risers and sleepyheads who wake up after noon. However, with seating on a first-come first-serve basis, if you don’t want to be awkwardly searching for an open table, I highly suggest you arrive early. For Newport, the breakfast is averagely priced with dishes ranging from around $4 to $10. The menu has all your breakfast needs from a simple scrambled egg and American cheese sandwich to asparagus, potato, mozzarella, and more combined into a hearty omelet. The Not Your Average BLT including avocado and two over hard eggs is my personal favorite, and you can’t go wrong with a side of cheese smothered tater tots topped with crisp bites of bacon called Fancy Tots. Customers love the B.Y.O.B for only $2 extra to add their bubbly champagne to fresh orange, pineapple, or cranberry juice.
But who says you have to get breakfast? Sandwiches like the Grown Up Grilled Cheese and the Hen & Hog paired with the selected soup of the day can satisfy one’s lunch cravings. The menu also extends to offer salads, a few dinner options, and weekend brunch specials.
Since its establishment in 2015, Cru Cafe serves the local community using local and fresh ingredients. The restaurant is managed by the Russell Morin Group, an exclusive catering company in Southern New England. Visiting families eager to enjoy a day downtown, students in cozy sweatpants, and businessmen and women stopping by for a quick coffee all visit to be a #partofthecru.
Cru Cafe is located at 1 Casino Terrace in Newport, Rhode Island and currently operates on their summer hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. To place a pickup order or for general inquiries call 401-314-0500. Visit their website crucafenewport.com for the menu and more information.
