Word of Mouth: Janelle's Waterfront Café
Before the golden days of summer disappear for good, treat yourself to a “minivacation” at the Elm City’s Fairhaven neighborhood jewel, the Quinnipiac River Marina—and particularly, Jenelle’s, its cozy centerpiece (seating roughly 30), a great place for a homestyle meal almost any time of day. You’ll even find travel postcards on the walls. We drop by whenever we need a break from New Haven’s downtown whirl (and our own kitchen), and never thought we’d get so much pleasure from grabbing a table on the outdoor patio over the water and staring into space. But, lest we forget, the food. At lunch, we head straight for the seafood entrées, all made from local fruits de mer: a grilled salmon sandwich with herb mayo ($9.55); New Orleans-style shrimp and flounder po’ boys ($7.95); fried scallops, calamari and clams ($11.99). All are served with a side salad or café owner Jenelle Coughlin’s hand-cut fries, soaked in vinegar before cooking for an extra flavor kick. Landlubbers will find a whole world of other possibilities, ranging from gourmet salads (try the chicken and feta over mixed greens) to paninis, wraps and a build-your-own burger bar. Dinner fare is a tad fancier, with specialties like shrimp ravioli and bell peppers in a light butter sauce ($14), crab cakes with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a New York Strip steak sandwich on chewy garlic bread. Meanwhile, the weekend brunch menu is an inviting crazy quilt, built for a wide spectrum of appetites. Want a bowl of oatmeal with almonds, raisins and brown sugar? Check. A lobster club sandwich with lettuce, tomato and avocado? Got it. Or would you rather indulge in challah bread French toast with whipped cream and sausage ($8.49)? Yup, that hits our spot. 307 Front St., New Haven, (203) 624-2233 (jenelleswaterfrontcafe.com). Wed.-Thurs. 10-3, Wed.-Sat. 5-10 (dinner), Fri.-Sun. 8-2 (brunch).
Word of Mouth: Janelle's Waterfront Café
