Orange County: Eggslice

Emerging in restaurants around Orange County is a charming pop-up breakfast sandwich concept called Eggslice.

Open only during breakfast hours four days a week, Eggslice features a simple menu of sandwich combinations which allows them to focus on high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers and simple flavors culminating in big explosions of morning delight.

Chef Bill and his partner, Pam, grew the concept from humble beginnings at farmer’s markets in their native Australia before bringing Eggslice here to OC. Currently residing in The OC Mix at Shuck’s Oyster Bar, this popup location is semi-permanent (they sign three-month contracts) and it’s easy to see why the concept has quickly taken hold.

Before you walk in to Shucks, a colorful chalkboard menu greets you on the sidewalk lest you wonder if you’re at the right place. Even though the menu is small enough to fit on one side, there’s just enough variety to satisfy all tastebuds and keep it from being too overwhelming.

Once you enter into the oyster bar, you’re immediately greeted with friendly acknowledgment and the question, “Have you been here before?”

All around the establishment is proof that Eggslice is temporary – signage on the counter that can be easily removed; paper napkins with its simple egg logo housed in a portable holder; blown-up Ann Watson photographed boards clipped by magnets that barely cover the oyster menu underneath – but once you’re handed your boxed up order and take your first bite, you are permanently hooked.

It must be mentioned that with each sandwich handed to you, a slew of napkins immediately follow with the warning, “Our sandwiches can get a little messy.” How charming is that?

I ordered the Smoked Salmon & Egg and my first bite into that soft tower was wonderful. Chef Bill prepares the egg exactly how I like it – over medium with creamy yolk bursting through and dripping down freely. The buttery toasted bun is warm, sweet, soft and – unlike the majority of brioche buns out there – light, airy and the perfect complement to its hearty fillings.

My husband scarfed down the Sausage, Egg & Cheese which features that dreamy over-medium egg, house made pork sausage patty, melty American cheese and their signature homemade Chilli Jam which is so delicious I stole most of his to smother on my own.

My daughter was thrilled with her very own Egg & Cheese, though she (or I ) decided to skip the Chilli Jam with its good amount of kick, and requested it on the side which allowed me to smother mine with even more.

What struck me most about Eggslice, aside from its deliciousness, was the charming staff and the friendly vibe that it gives off without really trying. Chef Bill came out to say hello to us and you could just tell how happy it makes him to build each and every sandwich by hand. By the time we headed out, which was close to closing time, the soft buns had sold out and they were offering Protein sandwiches in place of them.

I love that Eggslice supports local farmers, producers and artisans by using amazing ingredients that are grown, made and baked by them. I can’t wait to go back again and again, before they move on and pop up at another location.

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