New Crown Heights Cafe to Blend American Brunch and Caribbean Fare

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Carla Shallow said two things were clear: More families were moving into Crown Heights, and her young son would one day need help paying for college.

The long-time owner of Seven Salon on Rogers Avenue decided to address both needs at once, and this week, the result of her plan, Shallow's Cafe, started plating its first meals.

The combined breakfast, lunch and dinner spot, located at 340 Rogers Ave., is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. It will be closed Mondays, except during holidays.

The cafe can comfortably seat about 15 people, but Shallow said it also plans on running a robust take-out business.

The morning menu will include grab-and-go liege waffles served with berries, she said, as well as a variety of bakery goods and coffee.

For lunch and dinner, the owner said she was particularly excited about the menu's grill cheese, featuring sourdough break from Balthazar Bakery, cheddar cheese, fresh pimento peppers, spinach, and a lightly spicy mustard.

Multiple types of kale salads are being served, along with burgers on a brioche bun (turkey and veggie burgers are planned as well).

Head chef Alan Walker said he designed the restaurant's menu to be "cozy" and "comfortable," like the space itself.

"I'm trying to keep the food clean and simple," he explained, adding that he's opted for side dishes like salads, instead of fries.

Pictured: Shallow's chefs Allan Walker, left, and Yankuba Ceesay, right, doing their thing in the kitchen

But Shallow also said she plans on expanding her offerings over time. An immigrant from Trinidad, she said she loves to cook, and plans on teaching her staff how to prepare some of her favorite dishes.

"We want to serve what people want to eat," Walker said. "We're going to work with the neighborhood and the customers to bring it all together."

A sneak preview of the Shallow's fare will come next week during J'Ouvert and the West Indian Day Parade, which will pass right by the cafe. It will stay open through both events, the owner said, and will offer jerk chicken and dough bread, as well as bake and saltfish.

Shallow said she's still looking to hire a few staffers with food service experience. Those interested can stop by the store. You can also make a reservation or place an order for pickup by calling (347) 404-7919.

Pictured at top: Allan Walker and Carla Shallow inside Shallow's Cafe. Photos by John V. Santore