The Rigo’s Especial is Kathleen’s Sky Diner’s take on the traditional Egg’s Benedict. Kathleen’s is located on Lovers Lane, near the toll road. (Spencer J Eggers/The Daily Campus)

April 16 marks National Eggs Benedict Day. Traditionally the preparation of this dish of the day involves halving and toasting an English muffin, then topping with slices of Canadian bacon, two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

As with many gastronomic inventions, the exact origins of Eggs Benedict are unclear. However, most agree to credit one of two individuals.

Some argue that a Mrs. LeGrand Benedict, regular at New York City’s Delmonico restaurant in the 1890’s, tired of her usual breakfast and talked the restaurant’s chef into creating a new dish for her.

The chef, Charles Ranhofer, dug through his personal collection of recipes to present Mrs. Benedict with what would later be called, Eggs Benedict.

Others believe Mr. Lemuel Benedict, a Wall Street broker in the 1890’s, invented Eggs Benedict.

Allegedly Mr. Benedict stumbled into the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel one morning with a terrible hangover.

In search of a cure, he ordered toast, bacon, two poached eggs and a small pitcher of hollandaise sauce.

Naturally, the chef was so impressed by this inventive combination that he made the dish a permanent fixture on breakfast and lunch menus at the hotel. After substituting the toast for an English muffin, and the bacon for Canadian bacon, Eggs Benedict was born.

Throughout the years many variations have been created. Kathleen’s Sky Diner, located near Lovers and the toll road, puts their own twist on Eggs Benedict with their popular breakfast dish, the Rigo’s Especial.

The toasted English muffin and poached egg remain consistent, but spicy chorizo sausage takes the place of Canadian bacon.

Also, rather than a traditional hollandaise sauce, Kathleen’s tops their dish with jalapeno hollandaise, which lends an added kick of flavor.