Breakfast All Day: Celebrating the Egg Sandwich

We believe in the egg sandwich. We believe in the healing properties of a properly assembled combination of eggs, cheese and bread. We believe that egg sandwiches should be made available at all times of the day. This blog was created by Courtney Spence, founder of the CSpence Group & Students of the World. In her spare time she enjoys Seinfeld, Cheers, anything Tina Fey touches, football, Stephen King & Michael Crichton novels, Serial, wine, cheese and, of course, egg sandwiches and mimosas.

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It is a hero among sandwiches.

The New York Times’ opening sentence re: egg sandwiches.  Article title?  Don’t Mess with my Bacon, Egg & Cheese.  Nailed it.

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Egg Sandwiches*, Deep in the Heart of Texas

It’s high noon in Austin. And it also happens to be SXSW Sunday -- what began as an indie small town festival has turned into one behemoth of a seemingly never-ending event. Between interactive, film and music festivals, the SXSW marathon lasts for over ten days. 

I generally only make it to Day 4, maybe 5.

And — as with breakups — there is a recovery theory: it takes one week for each day that you SX. So, indeed I am still recovering. 

It is Day #3 and I’m feeling good. Particularly because it is sunny, warm and I’m with two lovely ladies  - Jehmu Greene (whom I met in 2008 during the HRC campaign) and my business partner, Courtney Irving (yes, we are both named Courtney).

Before we dive into the day’s agenda, it is agreed upon that we need fuel; both in liquid and solid form. We also must be outside, because of sun (it has been one helluva winter). We quickly agree upon on the outdoor patio of the W hotel. What happens next is pure bliss: craft cocktails, egg sandwich and ... migas. 

This is where our egg sandwich quest takes a turn -- about which you have been warned. The egg sandwich can be a healer in many forms, often times lending inspiration from cultures around the world. Migas would be one of these egg sandwich global inspirations. #GraciasMexico. 

For those of you who haven’t, it’s time you start living and saying yes (si!) to migas. You can’t walk a block in Austin without finding a joint that serves them. And I must say that the W Hotel does not disappoint. Eggs (scrambled with tortillas, cheese, onions, tomatoes and peppers), served with avocado, salsa and corn tortillas (which play the role that bread or croissants normally play). Excellente. 

Their ‘traditional’ egg sandwich (the B.E.L.T.) was also a winner, receiving a damn near perfect score in all of the following categories: griddled bread, crispy bacon, and egg cookery. Served with tomato & lettuce. And our personal touch of sliced jalapeños & Tabasco because this is Texas, y’all. 

This is one of many beautiful things about brunching with friends — you are able to order versions of the egg sandwich and share with one another. If sharing is caring, we cared deeply that day - deep in the heart of Texas. 

W Hotel Austin — these three ladies thank you for your service, for your egg sandwich varietals and for your glorious patio. 

-Courtney

*egg sandwiches & their south of the border cousin, migas.

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Mo' egg sandwiches, mo' satisfaction

It was one of those amazing San Francisco days. Sun is shining bright. Humming birds flittering amongst the trees. I'm listening to Tony Bennet while I walk through the hills of the city (really just so I can justify what I'm about to do). It's 73 degrees. You know, just another February day in our great city by the bay (thank you, #bestcoast).

It also one of the most bittersweet days of the year. It's Super Bowl Sunday.

Growing up in Texas, Football (with a capital F), was the only sport I acknowledged. I had dreams of one day being the first female coach or perhaps the commissioner of the Big 12 (I would later achieve my dreams of being called commish when I administered a fantasy football league for two years. It was the greatest accomplishment of my life). Super Bowl Sunday was the end of the only sports season I cared about at the time. It was only later on in life, when I went to Duke University and then moved to San Francisco, that I learned to love basketball and baseball respectively (I was in Minneapolis for the 2001 Duke NCAA Championship win and in San Francisco for the 2014 Giants World Series win. I'm not saying I'm the reason we won, but I am willing to travel to championship games for a nominal fee).

I also grew up in the world of advertising. My father started his ad agency right out of college, so from an early age I learned to appreciate the power of a 30 second story, what a company party really should look like, the enticement of a dark room, and not to mess with Texas. I also learned to appreciate the powerful combination of football and advertising - Super Bowl Sunday. And that it should be treated as a sacred day.

So in honor of this high holiday, I clearly must egg sandwich.

I'm at the counter at Mo's. It's a diner in North Beach. And you should go. Now. Why? The egg sandwich, of course.

First of all it's customizable. My server asked me how would I like my eggs? Scrambled, fried, over medium, over easy ... I chose the latter. Please add whole wheat bread, american cheese and bacon - crispy (the only way bacon should EVER be served). Can we substitute french fries for breakfast potatoes (because Super Bowl Sunday)? Thanks.

7 minutes later I'm happy to report that I was rewarded with a fabulous egg sandwich. It should be noted I had to later ask for a side of tomatoes and lettuce (because I am just that committed to the USDA recommended daily serving of fresh produce).

Overall, the egg sandwich was all that it should be.

Toasted bread: Great. 

Bread to egg ratio? Perfect.

Bacon: Perfectly crispy.

Egg cookery: Delightfully surprised with the runniness of the egg. Not too much, but just enough.

Best part? When the generous amount of American cheese ran on to my french fries and .... voila! Cheese fries.

Also, I should mention, they serve breakfast until 3pm. 

Mo, America thanks you for your service.

Now who's ready for some football? Also, please join me in signing the petition for Super Bowl Monday. It's really very important.

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Dear Joe, ...

My next stop on the road to egg sandwich goodness placed me at the bar at Original Joe's. It was brunch and my last meal in SF before heading to Austin for Christmas. 

First of all, if a place knows how to decorate sufficiently for my Clark Griswold taste in holiday decor, it's Joe's (Donn's Depot in Austin, you also knows the drill).

Original Joe's is an important establishment in San Francisco: Founded by Louis Rocca and Tony "Ante" Rodin in 1937, in 2012 they suffered a fire in their Tenderloin location and so relocated to a lovely spot in North Beach.

For those of you who haven't been to Joe's yet - go. As soon as you can. If you happen to miss the breakfast hour, may I strongly recommend their Fettuccini Alfredo. However, that review has no place on an egg sandwich blog, so I must stop.

So let's get to why we are here. The egg sandwich at Joe's. Perfection.

Grilled Bread: Yes, grilled bread. 

Bread to egg ratio? Perfect.

Eggs: Perfectly runny!

Additions: light mayo, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and onion

French fries: yes and thank you.

Mimosa: yes and also thank you.

Now I need to pause for a moment to talk about the atmosphere of Joe's. First of all the service is fabulous. They really take loving care of their customers, which I greatly appreciate. The bar is everything a good bar should be - dark wood, great televisions with sports on 24/7, great cocktails and a good fair share of regular patrons. Not ready to claim this as my own personal Cheers yet, but it's in the running.

So, in summary: Perfection. 

Joe, America thanks you for your service.

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Always.

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Breakfast Sliders + Bacon Fritters? Yes, please. Thank you.

I am happy to report that my first official stop on the egg sandwich quest of the century was one of the best I've ever had. 

It was a Sunday. I needed to talk to some food about what was happening in my life. And then I spotted this adorable little restaurant, Nob Hill Grille. Luckily for me there was one seat left at the counter. 

Clearly, this was meant to be. 

Then two things happened: I spotted breakfast sliders on the menu. Scrambled eggs, Italian sausage, and American Cheese on brioche buns. Yep.

And then I read two of the greatest words in the English language. Bacon fritters. 

Yes. Bacon. Fritters. With Bourbon maple syrup. 

I. Just. Can't.

So, this is where I need to pause for a moment. While this journey is one on the road to the best egg sandwich in America, we must acknowledge those who make egg sandwich brunches possible. Those who lift up, support and make the egg sandwich be the best it can be. Whether hash browns, french fries, or bacon fritters - we must acknowledge their pivotal role in all that is the egg sandwich glory.   

It would obviously be an insult to the chef if I didn't at least try the bacon fritters. I first ordered the breakfast sliders, then with a bit of shame  (of which I am now ashamed - Catholic guilt and shame is a thing, people), I ordered the bacon fritters, with obvious guilt. My server, whom I would later ask to be my mentor, gave me a knowing smile and told me to just consider them as breakfast appetizers. 

My world would never be the same.

The sliders were all I hoped they would be. Perfectly scrambled eggs, perfect proportion of sausage, bread and cheese to accompany them. 

Bacon fritters? How I love thee? Let me count the ways. 

Also, a mimosa the size of my face? Check.

Nob Hill Grille, I thank you for your service and for being the best place to begin the egg sandwich soujourn.

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Egg Sandwich 101

It’s a matter of opinion, but my egg sandwich essentials are as follows:

Eggs 

Cheese (preferably American)

Jalapenos (pickled or raw, either way)

Bread (toasted, unless it's a croissant)

Tabasco sauce

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Can I share with you my worldview? All of humankind has one thing in common: the sandwich. I believe that all anyone really wants in this life is to sit in peace and eat a sandwich.

My hero, Liz Lemon (played by the ever-fabulous Tina Fey) who clearly forgot to say ‘egg’ before she said ‘sandwich.’

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If we are being honest with ourselves, there really are only three words that everyone wants to hear.

Breakfast All Day.

I believe that there is no better cure - for whatever ails you - than an egg sandwich. And it follows that we should not be limited to only a certain time of day when we can order said greatness. 

And so, this is a quest to find the greatest egg sandwich in America. And in the process, we will be celebrating the joy, comfort and satisfaction that comes with consuming an egg sandwich — at any time of the day. Of course we’ll celebrate some of the accompanying breakfast foods (breakfast appetizers, as we can call them), brunch beverages and probably a breakfast taco or two. Because you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can’t take Texas out of the girl.

We’ve got a big job to do - someone had to do it - and it’s going to take a small army of us who are willing and committed to consuming some of the best egg sandwiches the world has to offer.

This blog is dedicated to all of the brave restaurant, deli and food truck owners that observe these precious three words - you know who you are. The world thanks for your service.

- Courtney