When I was in college, there was a place that we all knew as Collegetown Bagels. The cafe/hangout was pretty famous around the area, and they offered a delicious assortment of bagel sandwiches, pastries, and hot and cold beverages. This was the spot that people went to write their papers, socialize with friends, and escape the New York winter with a tall K-love (that was my favorite...hot chocolate with mint...thank you Melanie Tu for introducing me). CTB is a cornerstone in the Collegetown infrastructure and charm. When attending Homecoming or Reunion celebrations, I will always go there for a California Sunrise on a sun-dried tomato bagel.
When I moved to South Carolina, I admit I was worried about the potential lack of bagel cafes. I had become spoiled with the abundance of these fresh baked delicacies. However, after I started dating Matt, I began to spend a lot of time in North Myrtle Beach. One day I was incredibly hungry after taking Captain Jack, the Saint Bernard lap dog, on a walk on the beach. I had no idea where to eat around the area, so I went cruising. Suddenly, right next to the Bi-Lo, I saw a sign that said "Goldbergs Deli". That sounded promising, so I pulled up into the parking lot. When I exited my car I was bombarded with the smell of fresh baked breads and savory sandwiches being made on the range. I was psyched. I walked in, and I realized that the owner was someone who I had waited on at Buffalo Wild Wings, and he was from New York! Of course he understood my cravings! He talked me into an "Everything" bagel with an herb cream cheese and the soup of the day. As my meal was being made, I explored the deli. In the back there was a viewing area to watch them bake the bread products! To top it off, I was looking at the various police badges that decorated the wall, AND I FOUND CORNELL!!!!! I knew from then on that this was the place I was going to go for breakfast (and the bagel was superb).
Unfortunately, I moved AGAIN (see a pattern? nomad lifestyle) to Bratislava, Slovakia. I figured my fresh bagel eating days were probably over, I mean, they don't even have Triscuit crackers!!! (um, care package please?) So I'm sure you can imagine how delighted I was when Inge, my Danish beauty from the lunch crew, asked if anyone wanted to go get bagels for Friday lunch. OF COURSE I DID!!!! We went to Obchodna street (one of the main streets in the city centre) and found Bagel & Coffee Story! I was immediately enthralled. You could get a combo with a bagel sandwich and a drink for 83 Sk! (about $3.63) Thats a good deal cheaper than even the special Denne Menus they have at most restaurants! So I got the chicken bagel, and it was sooooooooo good. It had juicy chicken breast slices, lettuce, tomato, and....freshly grated parmesan cheese! I think I died a little. Plus, the decor is really fun, something out of a 70's tv set with bright colors and interesting furniture. I will be revisiting it.
Hopefully when I decide to fill out "change of address" papers again, I will continue my streak of luck and find another fantastic bagel place.
5 comments:
So, my litle nachriah, your fondness for bagels has led you to yet another gastronomic discovery. Growing up in rather monocultural Perry, it seems your diversity experiences have, and will continue, to broaden your perspective and enrich your life (and your diet).
Collegetown Bagels is one of my favorites, too. We had lunch there with your new roomie, Emily Timlin, and her family, on your first day at Cornell. I used to bring fresh bagels back home after each visit as well. Would that such a concept would work in Ashtabula or even Perry. Unfortunately, I think a somewhat larger population and different demographic would be required.
Keep discovering, love.
I love bagels!!!! And I'm very sad they don't have crackers. I will bring you some when I come visit. You can introduce all your friends to the wonders of crackers.
It sounds like you could write a book about bagels. We started you on Lenders and Thomases, but our Liroff Cousins siad those were inferior to real New Jersey Bagels, and the quest began. Remember our special times with the Einstein Brothers? Little did I know you were scoping out a bagelry in every city. Better hit that pool again girly.
1) i ate at CTB today for the first time this semester so its hilarious that you wrote this post
2) i dont know what im going to do without my CTB cayuga croissant when i leave ithaca. hopefully ill stumble upon a similar one in my life travels like you have :)
3) i think you and your glorious family would enjoy the blogs on nomadlife.org :)
4) you're incredible. and check your inbox there is a KD love present from me :)
Now I'm hungry..
Dunkin' Donuts bagels are inferior.
Sumo Boy says, "Yummy Yummy!"
Love you
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