Joyce, owner and cook at Shayna’s Restaurant reminded me a little of my favorite grandma in appearance (but not  white, Jewish, or Canadian).  Real deal home-cooked Trinidadian food going on in her confines. Her freshly made Roti is one of the best gluten-based objects I’ve found in the borough.  I was confused when she asked me if I wanted the chicken wrapped up in the Roti versus on-the-side, so I said yes.  Golf-ball-sized pieces on the bone but I don’t think that sweet lady was trying to choke or kill me.  It wouldn’t have been possible to pick it up like a burrito.  She asked me if I wanted it hot and she didn’t believe me when I said yes.  She seemed proud of her chilies so gave me the hot sauce on the side.  It was good but not as hot as she claimed and it wasn’t enough.  I used it all too quickly, since it was a giant, 1500 calorie Roti, probably. Delicious.

I need to go back and try the Doubles, tamarind-sweetened fried bread filled with curried garbanzos. Apparently they run out quickly in the morning, even though they seem more like a lunch-type sandwich.

She’s soon to be featured in a book about the immigrant experience and hangs with a top chef.  Some good pictures of her work here, thanks for the story and the tip Ditmas Park Corner!

Shayna’s Restaurant
907 Church Ave
Brooklyn

Train: Q to Church or F to Ft. Hamilton

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