Cooking from scratch means preparing a meal using basic ingredients to create something more complex. Cooking from “skratch” however, means prioritizing fresh proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to create one-of-a-kind meals. That’s according to the owners of Skratch Kitchen in Bradley Beach, a new restaurant serving a new kind of cuisine.
Skratch Kitchen doesn’t fit into any one particular box; instead, their food is driven by the chef’s inspiration for rustic comfort food. For example, they serve locally sourced, fresh ingredients with a seasonal focus. Chef and Owner JT Dunn describes the interior vibe as “coastal comfort,” seating up to 48 guests. By summer, they plan to open outdoor dining space in the back of the restaurant for another 20 diners.
More from Best of NJ
Unique Menu Options
Popular menu items at Skratch Kitchen include gnudi; homemade ricotta dumplings served with eggplant, baby tomatoes, basil, and made-from-scratch mozzarella. JT says even folks who have never tried it before will soon choose gnudi as their new go-to pasta. Likewise, their rustic Tuscan cod is a hit, served with Tuscan beans, lemon, fennel, baby clams, and toasted crumbs.
For something really different, check out the General Tso’s chicken and waffles, JT’s personal favorite. This dish combines boneless chicken thighs, Szechuan peppers, Asian glaze, honey, a ginger-scallion waffle, and sesame seeds.
Meanwhile, vegetarians can enjoy the shroom tacos that are also gluten free and vegan. This Skratch Kitchen original features wild mushrooms, shitake chicharrones, avocado, zucchini, pico, and masa. “They are a very popular and a unique dish,” JT says. As for dessert, they offer options such as pistachio tiramisu and blueberry lemon bread pudding with homemade whipped cream; as well as donuts from Purple Glaze in Asbury Park.
About Skratch
JT is the owner of Skratch Kitchen, along with Rob Kash and Joe Mosco. Years ago, the trio previously partnered to open Cafè Colore in Freehold (which is no longer open). “After a decade away from the industry, I was drawn back into the kitchen,” JT says. Rob and Joe are also partners with the Great Restaurants, Inc. group.
Visit Skratch Kitchen at 812 Main St in Bradley Beach. Look for them online to learn more.
See the Latest Restaurants Open in New Jersey.
Skratch Kitchen FAQs
Yes, via Resy.
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
Skratch Kitchen offers vegetarian options yes.
They do offer takeout, yes.
No, they they do not offer delivery.
No, they are BYOB. (A liquor store is also next door.)
They do not have a kids’ menu, no.
All Photos: © Skratch Kitchen
