Scratchboard Kitchen, Arlington Heights, IL

Who doesn't love a good brunch - Am I right?! 

Coming out (knock on wood) of the pandemic, this was a unique dining experience, especially since we're all sort of relearning how to dine out over again. I think this also applies to the people working in all the restaurants too.

While we did eat indoors, but I've not gotten used to standing in the restaurant and taking pictures of the space and staff. Hopefully that comes back soon. The space is quite long and welcoming inside, with a number of tables set for outdoor dining (and reservations). As you'll see below, I simply took pics of our dishes as they arrived on our table, and before we dove into them.

I went with a sibling and we split a few plates of food, which were in order - pastry board, citrus toast, and short ribs "hash".

This pastry board was the only "off" item of the trio. We cut them up to share and started with the matcha muffin, then the rhubarb scone, then then the cherry "pop tart". The muffin and scone hit us funny and we realized they both had some sort of pork fat flavor in them (like your nose was over a pot of sausage gravy simmering on the stove). This was not a welcome flavor and we chatted with the staff about it. They assured us the pastries are not made with pork fat in any way. Our only guess what that is was near something else being made or rendered and they absorbed the flavor. BUT, the upscale pop tart was very very good and had no off flavors. (Note: SK took this menu item off our bill - thanks). 

After the pastries, I went for the Citrus Toast and my sib went to the short ribs. I think it's fair to say that neither of us quite knew what a citrus toast would be... and perhaps at first glance it looks kind of odd, but it was delicious. They use four different citrus fruits on top, with a mascarpone base. The flavors are vibrant, refreshing and not odd at all. Even the toast used seemed to add something to the dish. I would order this again any day.

Our final dish was a Short Rib hash. The egg was done well, the short rib fell apart, and they added in some potatoes too. Though very rich, as you'd expect from the ingredients, this was a tasty bit of brunch fare. I would order this one again, but copy my sister's choice of having this 2nd and "cleansing the palate" with the citrus toast after.

With a welcoming staff, highly-competent kitchen, interesting menu items, and a fun, inviting space, I think it's fair to say I would recommend this place to any group, family, or couple. If I get the chance before the next move, I will be back in a blink.