Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails

Passion rules at this joint, where self-described “nerds about flavor” challenge culinary imagination with a philosophy of “good food is our best advertising.” Among the homemade items are salt-and-vinegar chips, onions and peppers. Favorites include shrimp-and-cheddar grits with bacon-mushroom gravy and a coffee-encrusted pork loin topped with a port wine demi-glace and served with rosemary Parmesan risotto and charred broccolini. From the bar, fresh cocktails that stand out are gimlets, old-fashioneds, margaritas and other old-school classics. 132 W. Main St., Norman; 405-801-2900; 605 N.W. 28th St., Suite B, Oklahoma City; 405-602-2302; eatatscratch.com