Meet you at the egg

Small eatery with enough room for all
Out To Lunch
By Ann Wicker
Photos by Richard Rudisill
February 2007
 
When you find a restaurant with really great food, you’re always torn: One part of you wants to keep it a secret, but another part of you knows places like this thrive only by drawing crowds.

Egg at the Lake Café is one of those hidden gems. Tucked away in a strip shopping center on Brawley School Road, just past Brawley Middle School, in Mooresville, the restaurant offers great food at good prices and the kind of personal service and atmosphere that draws regulars and visitors alike. Especially on the weekends, patrons line up out the door for omelettes and Reubens, waffles and hoagies – and the congenial atmosphere.

The owners, Robert and Eileen McCrary, moved to the Lake Norman area from California several years ago when Robert was with a national restaurant chain. They bought The Egg from the previous owner last October. “What’s cool about this place is,” Robert says, “it’s a melting pot – transplants and locals come together.”

And they eat together at The Egg.

OUR VISIT The Out to Lunch bunch got there early, but other patrons had the same idea. We took our time going through the extensive menu and got recommendations from Robert and the wait staff. One couple made a point of stopping at our table to say, “We love this place – we eat here at least three times a week!”

THE SCENE Big windows give the cozy space a much larger feel. Seats at the small bar provide patrons with a view of the kitchen, reminiscent of an old-fashion diner. “There’s lots of table-hopping on the weekends,” Robert reports with a grin.

Kids can color “Mr. Egg” doing fun stuff like scuba diving – from original drawings done for the purpose by Eileen and the McCrarys’ two sons.

Advertising representative Kim Morton loves the covered patio, “What a nice area to dine alfresco or enjoy a morning cup of Joe!”

THE FARE Editor Carol-Faye Ashcraft enjoyed one of Robert’s specialties, Eggs Benedict ($6.95), which comes “with ham and tomato slices plus Hollandaise sauce made fresh at the restaurant. The Hollandaise was heavenly with a rich, slightly lemony taste.”

Kim had the Cheddar Burger ($5.75) and reports it was “delicious – very juicy with an abundance of toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles). Café-style burgers are always the best.”

Advertising rep Joy Nall tried the Neptune Omelette ($6.25) and says it is “Fabulous! Lots of filling with crabmeat on top. A new favorite for me.”

The Turkey Reuben also was delicious, with toasted rye bread, moist turkey and tangy kraut.

Egg at the Lake Cafe

The Service Mitzi and Joyce of the wait staff greet regulars by name and are good at remembering what they like to drink. They are quick with drink service and food orders. Questions on individual menu items are answered knowledgeably.

THE CHECK Breakfast: eggs and omelettes, $3.40-$6.75; pancakes and waffles, $3.50-$6.60; breakfast specialties, $4.95-$8.95; skillets, $6.95; sides, $.45-$4.50

Lunch: appetizers, $2.50-$6.95; salad plates, $5.95-$6.95; burgers, $5.25-$6.50; sandwiches, $4.50-$7.45; melts, $3.95-$6.75; hoagies, $5.15-$8.95; quesadillas, $5.50-$7.25

Beverages, $1.15-$3.50

Kids menu available.

THE DETAILS ADDRESS: 694 Brawley School Road, Suite C, Mooresville CONTACTS: Phone/fax, 704-660-7781 HOURS: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday SEATS: 70, including the patio PAYMENT: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
 

© 2007 Lake Norman Magazine Volume 25, Number 3, February 2007 lakenormanmagazine.com