For those days when all you crave is a home-cooked meal like Mom used to make, you can turn to Scratch for a forkful of comfort. As its name cheekily implies, the well-kept breakfast and lunch secret in Independence makes all its dishes from scratch. But chef Brad Behrend doesn’t just serve straightforward pancakes, waffles, burgers and sandwiches. He has a tasty knack for putting fun spins on those classics — think tiramisu pancakes ($8) with a coffee liqueur reduction, chocolate ganache and vanilla mousse — so there’s always a surprising twist awaiting guests inside the tiny strip mall spot. The latke sliders ($9.25) hit that brunch sweet spot with its salty corned beef and tangy sauerkraut served on top of boxty pancakes with melty Swiss cheese and tart Thousand Island dressing. But we’re really sweet on the strawberry shortcake waffles ($7.85) with its farm-fresh strawberry coulis topping and genius maple syrup-infused whipped cream. While it might not be Mom’s cooking, it might be better. 6595 Brecksville Road, Independence, 216-312-2190, scratchrestaurant.com
