A breakfast spot in Ocala that is named after a memoir written and released by Betty MacDonald in 1945 is serving up hearty breakfast classics after 30 years in business.
The Egg & I, which draws its name from MacDonald’s adventures and travels as a young wife on a chicken farm in Washington, was born into existence by Rayno and Patty Seaser. The first location opened in 1987 in Fort Collins, Colorado, and for 30 years the company operated multiple locations around the United States.
In 2015, the chain of companies was acquired by another breakfast chain, First Watch. Although the name remains, the menu offerings at The Egg & I in Ocala (303 SE 17th St Unit 315) are very similar to what you would find at the local First Watch (3411 SW 36th Terrace).
From the juice bar that features a variety of fresh-made super juices, to the skillets and hashes and Egg-Clusives, the menu offers a collection of hearty and healthy options and a list of sweet indulgences for those trying to satisfy a sweet tooth.
In addition to omelettes and scrambles, the restaurant also boasts a variety of eggs Benedict options, including their most popular Parisian Benedict. The Parisian Benedict features two poached eggs with smoked ham, house-roasted crimini mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese piled on a buttery croissant half and topped with hollandaise sauce and fresh herbs.
Like its Fresh Watch counterparts, The Egg & I opens its doors every day at 7 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m.
For the complete menu at The Egg & I’s Ocala location, click here.
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