One Love Cafe

Brown Stewed Chicken

I was first introduced to One Love Café in the fall of my freshman year at Clark University.  I took a cold and slippery walk down Main Street to the little café, so perfectly tucked away that I could have easily passed by without knowing it.  Entering the café, I was enwrapped in the warm colors, smells, and sounds that starkly contrasted the dull chill of the Worcester streets.  One Love is a special place that delights more than just your taste buds; it evokes a feeling of Jamaican culture through art, reggae music, plants, and a cozy hospitable atmosphere that makes the visitor feel as if he/she has traveled to a Caribbean home for dinner.  Here you are free to take your time, savor your meal, and enjoy the company of those around you.

Though I often find myself prescribed to a distant customer role at restaurants, my friends and I felt like a part of the family, thanks to the genuine hospitality of Venice, the owner and only chef of One Love.  Approachable and jovial, Venice gets to know her customers while preparing their meals.  The intimate space induces a relaxed and familial ambiance, as you can see Venice cooking for you while vibing to the music.  Things haven’t changed since the first time I ate at One Love; it is still an experience that elevates me from all of my petty concerns. This is the place for good company and great food.

The menu at One Love features native Jamaican dishes under categories of “Likkle Tings” and “Big Tings,” such as jerk chicken, meat patties, and even dishes not typically found in American restaurants - curried goat and oxtail.  Most of the meals have a simple and hearty balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.  All dishes are served with rice and beans or cabbage, depending on what Venice has in her kitchen at the time.

Before the main entrée is served, Venice brings out a salad made from fresh mixed greens and a light mango dressing, followed by a complimentary plate of sweet plantains, whose light crisp give way to the tender gooey fruit.  Water is served from a pitcher with fresh fruit at the bottom - such as watermelon or pomegranate - so that the water is infused with clean subtle flavors.  The salad and plantains are a delicate and fresh start to the hearty meal that follows.

I am personally a huge fan of any of the chicken dishes on the menu.  Whether brown stewed chicken, jerk chicken, pineapple, or coconut chicken, the sauce is always full of flavor and the chicken is so tender it falls off the bone.  Meat is slow-cooked as part of a stew, bringing out the natural flavors and juiciness of the chicken.  The rice and beans are a delicious compliment to the main course, cooked in coconut milk and great for soaking up the extra sauce. There are many savory tofu and vegetable dishes as well, including delicious curry pumpkin soup and vegetable roti.

Afraid of spicy food? Fret not, for Venice tones down the spice of the food so that the usually spicy dishes appeal to people of varying preferences. For those of us that want more spice, the dish can be made spicier upon request, and extra hot sauce is available on each table.

One Love Café is an exotic, ultra-sensory experience of Jamaican culture that satiates your appetite and soothes your soul.  Entrée prices are quite reasonable, most ranging from 7 to 12 dollars.  If you are on a budget and want the most for your money, however, One Love Café has a buffet-style college night every Thursday, where $5 can get you as much salad, rice and beans, and the selected chicken and tofu dishes you desire.  Delicious and wholesome, yet comfortably exotic, this is a perfect place for a first date or an intimate dinner between close friends.  Any time you want to mix up your dinner plans and go for something different, the well-rounded menu and ambiance of One Love will meet your needs.