I have been eying on this location for a good while now, as I don't frequent Lonsdale Avenue ever since the disappearance of my two favorite video stores which I used to pick up bargains from. Looking at the cute name, I really had no idea what they were selling, and it was only a matter of time till I made it back to this area to finally step in and see what the heck is going on here! Due to my dear's cravings, and due to the fact we were around the area, and that the restaurant wasn't open till 5 to satisfy her craving, we had time to burn, and might as well look into those bookmarks!
When we were walking toward the store, then did I realize it was a bagel shop, and when we opened the door our eyes fixated on the display of their fresh in-house made bagels, stacked on their side in a multitude of varieties. While we were looking around, the young lady behind the till asked us if it was our first time here, where we answered 'Yes'. She watched our movements then asked if we would like to try a bite of their bagel, I don't say no to samples.. really I don't, the term, 'Try before you buy' always is in my head!
Her name was Misty, and she proceeded to cut some pieces of their signature Rosemary Rock Salt bagel. I loved the medley of sweet and hint of the rock salt on top of this thing. It was dense, a good chew to work those molars and not overly fluffy (as warned by Misty) like those other cheap bagels you get at supermarkets. Since now my tastebuds have been hightened, hand is reaching the wallet, and while we made the decision first off of just buying 4, Misty then advised us for just more than a buck you can get two more.... upsell, very good... very good indeed... add two more to the bag please! Some poppy seed, some sesame, some everything, and a happy smile we walk out the store right.... WRONG.
So while we finished making our selection of carb treats, Misty comes and drops the bomb and ask if we have any interest in Montreal smoked meat, stating, clearly that it's flown in from that Eastern Province, brined, tender, cooked, and if we would like to try a sample... uhm..... who offers meat just cut off the main portion, then to take the time to steam it up and serve it as a sample.... as I said above, I do not say no to samples. As the heating process was happening after she sliced the meats, she told us about the times they toss the bagels, and the best times to come here, note taken, hopefully coming back at that time, and like an imaginary microwave ping, she went to get the meat samples, presented on the parchment paper it was heated on, for us to devour. Phone set to camera mode, snap snap, before I eat this... all I can say is.. take the money, you've already got me on the bagels, might as well just throw the meat in there as well.
OK, ring me up please, and another pause, as she introduced us to their selection of cream cheeses, then my dear asked for a sample, and she provided this to us, salmon and veggie. In the end we picked the veggie, as it was their best seller, and it was the better one on our taste buds, we had to gather ourselves to stop, or the bag would have ended up as two bags. For a first time visit, I will remember this, it was fun, Misty was genuine in allowing us to try things, and also told us many things that happen in this location, and also mentioned about a new location opening up near Broadway and Main in the future.
I have had many bagels in my days, I would consider myself spoiled to a point, and I have to say for the Lower Mainland, if you're a bagel entusiast make some time and come get one here, I've eaten them for two days and the bagels are definitely one of the better ones in the city. Also, come in here and be surprised at how they treat people, it's a 'hole' experience, in a bagel sort of way which is awesome, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to take that extra litre of gas and come here! read more