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| - Scratch is still very new, so I'm looking forward to a lot of changes for the better. They've got a great location, and the owner seems to have the enthusiasm for success.
Our first attempt at scratch was kind of a disaster. We had quite a large group and were there within their first month open, so it was almost to be expected. However we were assured they could handle our group so we gave it a shot. The service was slow at best. Our waitress didn't seem to know how to handle a large table and made it a point to tell us that many, many times. She made us feel like a burden, but reminded us that she had 20 years experience (so I'm not sure what the problem was). We were later visited by the owner, and I believe some friends who didn't even work there who he called in to help - bonus points. Still, after being told we couldn't order anything beside basic drinks (because the bartender "probably won't know how to make them), we waited forever for water, beer, and eventually food. I can't vouch for anyone else because frankly I wasn't paying attention, but my veggie burger seemed like something from the Sysco truck. Not impressed.
Try #2: Brunch. Service was still slow and confused, but much better. The Eggs Royale were commendable - their salmon has a uniquely mild and delicious flavor, and the eggs were cooked perfectly. I was looking forward to trying one of their pastries, but was disappointed with the selection. The pastry case looked bored. With only about 3 different choices, the pastries looked good but unimpressive for bakery standards. They had a selection of macaroons, which although likely fresh, seemed a bit pricey at $3.75 each. I ended up skipping the pastries.
Lastly, and most notably, the place lacks personality. There's something about the newly renovated complex Scratch lives in that makes it a fun place to go, but the atmosphere ends at the gate.
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