First, I’d like to thank everyone who took a moment to write in and respond to my last editorial on bagels. Frankly, the response was somewhat overwhelming. It appears many of our readers are passionate about bagels!
Throughout those responses, it occurred to me that my publicly made opinion on bagels was not presented as carefully as I would have hoped. Reading the many responses, though no one said as much, I realized that I indirectly criticized the area’s bagel selection by insinuating that the bagels I remember from my youth are good and all others are bad. That was NOT my intent. Nor do I believe that is the case.
Like anything, there’s a range of good and a range of bad, and of course, this is mostly opinion. Your good/bad range may vary wildly from mine. And that’s great. My argument was/is based on what I believe is a “real” bagel vs. what is not. And I still contend that you cannot find a “real” bagel in the direct area (though I admit I haven’t yet tried a couple of the reader suggestions submitted).
This all said, I would like highlight one place in particular.
Of all the responses received, Elle’s Deli & Bagels in Lake in the Hills was the number one suggested bagel place to visit (and it was suggested by MANY). I’ve been to Elle’s. And Elle’s has outstanding bagels. By far they’re the best bagel place in the area, and if anyone ever askes me where they can find good bagels, I suggest Elle’s. They really do make a great bagel. So if you’re looking for a great bagel in the area, please go there. You won’t be disappointed.
Still they’re not the bagels I’m talking about. To put it into today’s parlance, bagels out here don’t have the same vibe. And at this point, you might think, “Well, this guy’s crazy and overly picky, and he’s trying to find the exact bagel he grew up with but made by someone else.” Which, of course, is probably not going to happen, were it true.
But it’s not true.
Growing up in Park Ridge gave me access to places like Evanston and Skokie and Lincolnwood and many parts of Chicago, and throughout living there for 20+ years, I had bagels from various places, and yes, not one place tasted the same as the other, but no matter the deli or bagel place, they all had that same “something.” That same authenticity.
To put it to the test, I ventured to the New York Bagel and Bialy location in Lincolnwood (as they’re no longer on Dempster near where I grew up). The moment I walked in the door, I knew it. These were real bagels. The look, the smell was there. And to those who know what I’m talking about, it’s evident. You don’t even need to taste the bagel to know it’s a real bagel.
Still, of course, I tasted it.
I bought a dozen, and the moment I got home, I sliced a bialy, spread it with their homemade cream cheese, and to again say it in today’s parlance, OMG! The taste, the smell, the texture, the flavor…the nostalgia…literally gave me chills. I finished that and then I ate another! Honestly, if I didn’t think I was going to make myself sick, I would have eaten a third!
I’m going to end this debate abruptly here (though I do hope to hear from you readers!) with one final message. This is just my opinion. If Elle’s or Panera or Einstein or Jewel or even prepacked Thomas’ are your version of a real bagel, that’s great, and I hope they bring you mas much joy as the bagels from New York Bagel and Bialy bring me!
