For my most recent bruch-scapade I went to Shane’s Brooklyn in you guessed it…Brooklyn! Shane’s is located in Prospect Heights and housed in a quaint, intimate space.
The Service
It was 11 a.m. on a Saturday when I visited, which is usually the start of the brunch rush so I expected it to be packed. To my delight it was pretty empty with only a few patrons when I walked in. However, the brunch crowd did pick up as I was leaving, so it seems I got there at the perfect time.
The hostess immediately greeted me as I walked in and gave me a menu. My usual go to for brunch are either Chicken and Waffles or Shrimp and Grits. Shane’s actually has a combination I hadn’t seen before on a brunch menu: fresh fish and grits.
Still undecided between the shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles, I asked my waiter for his opinion. His advice, go with the shrimp and grits with cheese. Cheddar cheese to be exact. I took his suggestion.
The Food
My food came out relatively fast, which is always a plus. When I received my plate I was disappointed by the lack of presentation. It wasn’t “pretty.” I’m used to seeing my shrimp and grits topped with scallions, onions, and sometimes a little tobacco sauce. The plate as a whole didn’t have much presentation. I took note of the table next to me who received their food shortly before me and it was the same for them. Presentation matters, I like a pretty plate!
Anyway, on to the taste. My shrimp was grilled and a bit spicy, which I didn’t expect. I don’t have a problem with spicy foods but for someone who does, it could be a problem because the menu didn’t indicate anywhere that it would be spicy. The grits were okay. They weren’t overly gritty nor were they the smoothest. Upon my first bite, I decided to add a little salt because I felt like it was lacking something. As I kept eating I realized I didn’t need to add the salt. The flavor seemed to have just settled at the bottom of the bowl. So I’ll take full blame for user error on that one but thankfully it wasn’t over salted and I was still able to enjoy it.
The Overall Experience
I finished my meal rather quickly mainly because there wasn’t much. I could have eaten more and didn’t feel quite satisfied or that there was enough in the portion. Grits are one of those foods that should stick to you and I didn’t get that from this plate.
Overall my eating experience at Shane’s Brooklyn was okay. I’m willing to go back and give them a second chance if I’m in the neighborhood. Maybe trying another dish on the menu, perhaps the chicken and waffles.
But I also wouldn’t go out of my way or make this my new go to brunch place.
