What it means to say goodbye to Scuffletown

It was worth it to drive through the teeth of Broad Street at the onset of the VCU/ LSU game. Although I swore every block realizing how dumb I was to even approach that grudge match… I needed to see my friend before she went.

After sifting through traffic and dealing with the normal patience required when it comes to driving in the Fan, a parking spot was discovered. She was insight.

Scuffletown Garden had only been around for a couple of months but it felt like home. It felt like a restaurant was doing it right. Local, sustainable, with an aim to have their own garden, their own food. As much as possible, the local ingredients to make great food.

There is a buzz at the bar. Glasses clink, laughter and smiles. The bartender is making sure that the water glasses are full and everyone is enjoying themselves. The chalkboard is replete with options: steak, many, pork chop? Veil IPA? Another from Maine? How about a lager? The world is yours.

Cocktails? How’s Woodford Reserve? The Aperol begs for a spritz. The Fernet teases while the Absente openly flirts.

A peek of the menu brings familiar warm memories. Beef tartare and its sorrel and pickled onion tang. The Bibb lettuce rolls and the simplicity w/ mushrooms, hoisin, and peanuts.

There’s also a hush abound… A quiet reservation amongst the din of activity. As many friends, we may meet tonight, as many connections that are made, this crossroads will go quiet.

Scuffletown Garden closes Sunday after brunch.

This place has always felt like that good friend you could depend on. Everything has been superb and creative but no stretch. Just easy and spectacular. Almost like that great fling, we connected with that one summer where all the stars came together… but parties had to split.

How could it go wrong? Scuffletown was doing it all right. Local, sustainable, greenhouse feel. You gave off warmness, you felt like home.

You had that good food! That service without pretentiousness and always with those smiles of reassurance.

We’ll see you again in another form. I’m confident and I can’t wait.