Birdy's Café

The early bird gets the OJ

by Joanne Hinkel

Every morning, Herrell's Ice Cream, in Allston, turns into Birdy's Café -- a heart-healthy alternative to the usual Allston greasy spoons. Birdy herself is a 28-year-old who says she "worked behind every counter in the whole world" before she thought to open up her own business. Now she rejuvenates bodies worn down by too many mornings spent slumped over bacon and hash browns in vinyl booths; the Breakfast in a Cup alone must contain a month's worth of vitamins. It's 12 ounces of orange juice, squeezed on the spot, blended with melons, grapes, strawberries, bananas, and yogurt ($3.50). Fruit is a theme here, filling homemade scones, muffins, and pancakes, or served by itself in a dish. There's also a Belgian waffle, topped with ripe, juicy strawberries ($3.50). Omelet and scrambled-egg lovers be warned: there is no frying pan here, not even a burner. Eggs are served only as a creation called EggStravaganza -- souffléd eggs, steamed over the cappuccino maker, mixed with vegetables and cheese ($4). The setting is very Allston Bohemian -- hanging plants, colorful wall murals, and a 100-disc CD player that alternates reggae, rock, and hip-hop.

Birdy's Café, located at 155 Brighton Avenue, in Allston, is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon, and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 782-9599.