In a world where seemingly everything is automated and stocked via national supply chains, here comes Badass Bagels where almost every single item is different, from the sourdough used for the bagels to the fascinating list of spreads. And while the menu inspired me to try so many options, I was corralled into only a precious few since nearly none of those options were available. Black garlic spread? Nope, not available. Honey jalapeño spread? Sorry, we're out. But the Green Goddess spread, described as "herbacious", sounded good atop my Himalayan blue poppyseed bagel(!). The amiable woman at the counter somehow intuited I wanted tomatoes and for good measure I added capers. And then she kindly offered to make it open-faced and to bring it to me at their outdoor table. Wonderful, caring service. Nice!
My friend wanted coffee, and drip - his preference - was available (others were not). He gave the coffee a solid thumbs down: watered and weak. I preferred a hot tea and at first was denied because something - I don't recall what - was broken (backup microwave not available). But ha! The kind lady then offered to "run the water" through the latte machine to get that hot cup going. And her intuition again arose to offer me an Earl Grey, my preferred flavor.
But let's go back to that bagel (see photo): a bit small, or traditionally-sized, if you prefer. The spread had the consistency of crème fraiche, meaning it was thinner than cream cheese. That's fine, though it wasn't particularly herbacious as described, perhaps just delicate in flavor. However it was pleasant. My biggest disappointment was with the gravlox serving, which was decidedly tiny. That was a letdown and may ultimately decide whether to return.
Honestly it seems ownership may have bitten off more than they can chew. The grand aspirations of the menu were hardly to be found, offering only a distant glimmer of what could have been. And machines do break, but sheesh, you absolutely need access to hot water if you're going to serve the morning crowd.
If I do return I'll have to ensure I'm less hungry, for starters. And I'll need to go with a different friend, as my companion today will not return due to the coffee. While I appreciate their approach, there are some rough spots that will require flexibility. read more