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Maxie's owners open up shop in old Heinemann's

Blue's Egg opened in July with a menu that includes (left) the Old English breakfast platter, Roti of curried tofu and fried bananas, and Corned Beef on Toasted Rye from its breakfast and lunch menus. Photo By C.T. Kruger

Aug. 25, 2010

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Before even walking in the door, Blue's Egg caused a disagreement between my husband and me.

Him: I thought you said it was called Blue's Egg. The logo says "Blue's." It doesn't say "Egg."

Me: Well, the logo is an egg, therefore, I think it's implied.

So, we walked in the door of this just-opened restaurant at 317 N. 76th St. (at Bluemound Road) and confirmed that the name is, indeed, Blue's Egg.

In a space formerly occupied by Heinemann's, Blue's Egg is the sister restaurant of Maxie's Southern Comfort (6732 W. Fairview Ave. in Milwaukee). And although it has the same charm and unique style of Maxie's, it couldn't be more different.

First of all, Blue's Egg is open for breakfast and lunch only. Breakfast is served from 7 to 10:30 a.m., and lunch is served from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

In fact, the tagline on the menu is "Breakfast. Lunch. Community." Therein lies the secret behind the unusual name.

From the website: "Each day at Blue's, you can order the 'Egg Plate' and know that one dollar will be donated to a monthly, changing, local organization. By remaining sensitive to quality, value, service and the greater needs of the community, we strive to preserve the EGG: Everyone's Good Graces."

The breakfast menu has comfort food written all over it. The hash browns - Blue's Browns or Very Stuffed Browns - are seriously good. Then there are a variety of stratas, omelets, pancakes, French toast and benedicts to please any foodie. Virtually everything includes sides. Trust me when I say you won't walk away hungry.

The lunch menu features twists on salads and sandwiches, but also includes some of the breakfast items, including the benedicts and omelets. There is an interesting offering of cocktails for the lunch crowd, as well as a full complement of teas and barista-blended coffees.

It's hard to put your finger on what style of food they serve at Blue's Egg. The menu items represent countries from around the world. Suffice it to say that picky eaters and culinary veterans would both find something to enjoy.

After two visits - one for breakfast and one for lunch - my only slight criticism is that, unlike sister restaurant Maxie's, Blue's Egg was a bit service-challenged.

The restaurant seems to be understaffed and a tad stingy with beverage refills, or just checking back in on diners. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that management will find a way to get things humming.

Judging from the full dining room on both of my visits, Blue's Egg has clearly filled a need for an above-the-ordinary breakfast and lunch destination.

Looking for a place to 'Grab a Bite?' Turn to new column

"Grab a Bite" is an informal look at the food scene in the Wauwatosa , Elm Grove and Brookfield area by freelance writer Karen Waldkirch. Whether you're looking for a place for "date night" or a casual spot for lunch, Waldkirch will be out and about scouting them for you. Have a suggestion for a future column? Contact her at kmwaldkirch@yahoo.com.