Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop

Okay so technically Scratch does not have nachos on their menu in the traditional sense.  The best part about writing our own nacho blog is that we can make whatever rules we want to.  And we say there are no rules because they are nacho rules!  Chilaquiles are close enough.  And with that Nacho Brunch was scheduled.  Scratch is a tiny restaurant in Chinatown so we just asked a handful of friends to join us on what was a holiday for most, King Kamehameha day.  There is always a wait (because they are that good) and they do not take reservations so I tried to get there early to snag us a table. We got a table near the kitchen and were greeted by a man with a sexy accent.  When we told him we all wanted chilaquiles he thought we were weird and talked a couple people into the Calentado v2.4 because it too had tortilla chips (well little strips).

The chilaquiles came out in little individual skillets and looked amazing.  Although they appear small (mostly because we have been brainwashed that huge portions are what should be served), they were more than adequate for one, if not two humans to enjoy.  Every chip was marinated in delicious chilaquile sauce with just the right amount of runny sunny side eggs on top.  Every bite was a little party in the mouth.

Post Nacho Brunch a few of us headed to Smith Union's for just the one coconut tequila and soda water (it's the only damn bar I can find the coconut tequila) which turned into just the one shot and then just the one karaoke song...and you know how that goes.  We will spare you the videos but know that a lot of sister bonding happened over belting Pat Benatar songs (and maybe a few more shots).  

I just love that we have been able to continue this silly little nacho blog for so many years now.  I want to thank all of you nacho friends for being such good sports at every event and putting up with me month after month.  I love you all so very much!  I am honored to be your friend!

Small kine nacho friends

Can I have one of each please?

Shredded chicken, sunny side up eggs, tortilla chips, lime crema, cotija, pickled jalapeno - $13

 

Nacho Libra (4.5, very very tasty!!) - PRESENTATION: Adorable personal cast iron pan!  The toppings are arranged for impeccable presentation. RAD: Each chip is so flavorful!! The egg is perfectly fried and the cilantro adds an excellent pop of flavor.  LAME: I wanted a bit more of the cotija cheese.  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4.5, close to perfection!!  Just wanted a little more cotija!  Love having a nacho-esque breakfast!  The size was tricky looking small but was so much food.

 

Shananigans (4.8) - PRESENTATION: So damn beautiful.  Fresh ingredients, baby cast iron is so cute!  RAD: Every chip is soaked in the perfect amount of salsa.  Actual spicy jalapenos.  Perfectly cooked eggs.  Fresh cilantro.  LAME: Not the same without our Toms that had to work today.  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4.9, soaked in deliciousness.  Put it in my belly, I cannot wait to come back and try more things on the menu.  Not your traditional nachos but so fucking good!  Acceptable to eat with a fork.  Love my lovely ladies (and Chris)!

 

Nacho Skillet (5) - PRESENTATION: Well plated.  Really like the mini skillets as plates.  Such a big pile of toppings that I was not sure how to attack it.  RAD: Calentada - Pork Belly!  LAME: It wasn't actually nachos.  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, there were toppings even to the last fork fill.  It wasn't nachos but it was delicious. 

 

Pauoa Princess (5) - PRESENTATION: Looks like nacho heaven and almost too good to eat.  RAD: Baby iron skillet.  LAME: So big, couldn't finish...is that lame?  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5, plenty of ingredients.  Service was good.  Everything came quick.  I would come back to try other things.

 

Tequila Cat (4.5) - PRESENTATION: Nice colors, pink pickled onions, bright green cilantro, deep red seasoned pork belly.  RAD: The O.D.B. cocktail was like a paloma - my fave!  Fresh squeezed and deelish! LAME: Waiting in line sucks but this was worth the wait!  I will visit this place again.  TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 3.5, this dish was not quite nachos and had a rice base.  While the rice was nice, I mostly ate the pork belly, crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, onions, guac and jalapenos.  Nice service and atmosphere.