There are very few things that I miss from living outside Manhattan. The things I do miss are 2:00am chocolate milkshakes at a 24 hour diner, "New York Style" pizza, and true New York bagels. I will fight anyone who tries to tell me that they have a more superior bagel, because unless you're coming from the Holy Land with one in tow, you sir/madam are a liar! I have lived in various parts of the Northeast, and NOTHING compares with NYC/Westchester bagels!
If you grew up in Manhattan and/or Westchester County you know exactly what I'm talking about. There is just something about the dough that comes out of this area. Whether it is the Italian/Jewish influences of recipes passed down by generations, the water that the Croton Aqueduct provides this area (my guess), or the crack that they secretly put in it, you know it the moment you bite into it.
The best part of ordering a bagel is the schmear. For those of you who are not versed in yiddish, a schmear is the spread that you put on the bagel of your choosing. The schmear is key because it will give that perfect sphere of carbtastic delight that extra flavor; of course in New York, only the best places will give you what seems to be a 1/2lb of cream cheese on your bagel (an exaggeration, of course, but it is a lot!). If its available I suggest the everything bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese. It is the ultimate taste sensation. For those of you who do not like salmon (we'll get to you later), plain will do just fine.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go nosh on my bagelandschmear and enjoy my cowfee (think NY accent)
Bagel & Coffee is from Bagels on Hudson in Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Travel Mug from Home Goods
Confession; I’ve never had a boiled bagel 😞