Ah, the humble bagel. That round, doughy, carb-y delight that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of people all around the world. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the history of this beloved baked good? Or what it is about the bagel that makes it so darn popular? Well, buckle up, because we're about to go on a journey through time and taste buds.
First things first, let's talk about the history of the bagel. While there are a few different stories floating around about where and when bagels were first created, most historians agree that they originated in Poland sometime in the 16th century. Back then, they were known as obwarzanek, and were sold by street vendors who would carry them on long wooden poles. It wasn't until the early 20th century, when Jewish immigrants brought bagels over to the United States, that they really started to take off.
Now, what is it about the bagel that makes it so popular? Well, for starters, there's the chewy, dense texture that's just so satisfying to sink your teeth into. Then there's the fact that you can put pretty much anything on a bagel and it'll taste amazing. Cream cheese, lox, peanut butter, jelly, bacon, egg, cheese... the possibilities are truly endless.
But let's talk about the perfect bagel, shall we? In my opinion (and I am a highly trained bagelologist, thank you very much), the perfect bagel should have a crispy, shiny exterior and a soft, chewy interior. It should have a slightly sweet flavor, thanks to the addition of malt syrup in the dough. And of course, it should be generously slathered with cream cheese.
If you happen to find yourself in Santa Monica, you simply must check out Layla's Bagels. They make their bagels fresh every day, and you can really taste the difference. They have all the classic flavors (plain, sesame, poppy seed, everything) plus a few fun twists like jalapeño cheddar and cinnamon raisin. Plus, their laika open face sandwich is to die for.
And if you're in Glendale, you can't go wrong with Love You Latte's bagels. They have the perfect selection of breakfast bagels, from the New Yorker, to the East Coast, to a simple bagel, lox, and cream cheese.
The bagel is truly a wonder of the culinary world. It has a rich history, a satisfying texture, and endless flavor possibilities. And whether you're on the West Coast or the East Coast (or anywhere in between), there's a perfect bagel out there waiting for you. So go forth and carb-load, my friends!
