Union Bagel Co.
147 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME, 04101
Union Bagel Co. Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Portland for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
147 Cumberland Ave
Portland, ME, 04101 - Phone (207) 747-4400
- Website https://www.unionbagelco.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Suzette S.
To me, a bagel should be New York style, one with a bit of chewiness, or tooth as they say in NY. The bagels here are delicious! They are hand rolled, boiled and baked. The toppings are varied and interesting. My mornings are happier with my bagel from Union Bagel Co. The people here are as fabulous as their bagels. The are a bit out of the way on Cumberland, but worth the effort of the trip! I love getting a warm bagel, just baked.
(5)Kelly A.
This place is the real deal. Some of the best bagels I've ever had. We just happened upon them while driving around, but we grabbed a half-dozen bagels to take home and what a good decision that turned out to be! Deliciously crunchy outside and wonderfully chewy inside. Made even better with their jalapeño and chive cream cheeses. I wish they had a location in Boston!
(5)Susan H.
I use yelp all the time and so should review more often, but I don't. This place was such a delight I overcame my normal reluctance to post. We eat bagels in all places we go on our road trips and these were noteworthy!! Olive cream cheese yum!!! Jalepeño cream cheese yum!!!!! I had an everything and hubby had the garlic bagel YUM!! People super nice. Location adorable. We ate in the car looking down the hill to the water-delightful.
(5)Maura Q.
Union Bagel Co., you are doing something right and I'm so glad I could finally make it to your storefront. Even though it is a little squished in there, it gives the place character and encourages bagel lovers to take their breakfast to munjoy hill to enjoy the scenery. Iced coffee is Arabica and delish. Staff is friendly and all have a great sense of humor. Service is relatively quick even when they're busy. Another plus is you can see them making the bagels right in front of your face! The bread and roses is amazing (lox, cream cheese, capers, cucumbers, and tomatoes). Throw all of that onto any bagel of your choosing, with any cream cheese, and you've got yourself quite the combination. My favorite so far (meaning I'll definitely be back for more) is the bread and roses on an everything bagel with olive cream cheese. I will say, reading some of the reviews about the cream cheese, I'll have to agree that it's not super flavorful, but I feel like this will come in due time. The most negative thing I have to say about Union Bagel is that I hate when they run out of bagels (DUH). That, and they don't have any meats (sausage, bacon, etc.) for their egg breakfast sandwiches. I don't know why, but I also picture them having Taylor Ham if they ever did add some meat protein. Maybe that's a far off dream, but a girl can dream.
(5)Eric Joseph D.
Bagels are my all time favorite breakfast spots and this spot ranks up there. With an assortment of freshly made bagels to choose from, I would suggest the everything bagel! On top of these freshly made bagels is a selection of spreads that are all made from scratch. Pay attention to the special of the day and ask what is in the veggie bagel. I got the olive spread and the veggie (leak and onion). The spreads are jam packed with veggies and it goes perfectly with your toasted bagel! I also added avocado and boy did they hook it up! For less than 3 dollars, you can't complain for the quality! For being a tourist, this was a great start to a long day of walking and drinking and is a must when you visit! They also have a back patio and there's a park right nearby if you just want to relax and have a tasty bagel!
(5)Fred T.
Great fresh bagels, well prepared with plenty of toppings/options. We also had some iced coffee since it was probably 85-90 outside and it seems like they make their own iced coffee as they pulled a container of coffee out of the cooler. We ate inside which was a little cramped, you can maybe fit 3-4 people at the window counter, but you can get them to go too . You have to pay attention when driving by as it's a small store, we parked around the corner and walked over
(4)Lindsay W.
They were out of most bagel types and avocado when I went but that's okay and understandable because it was Sunday afternoon. I really enjoyed my poppy seed bagel with plain cream cheese and lox. This place reminds me of the great bagel spots in ny and Montreal. Maybe not quite there, but still really awesome! I'm glad there's a place like this in Portland. I'll be back many times I'm sure!
(4)Tony W.
An impossibly small bagel shop located on Cumberland Ave that makes impossibly good bagels. At least the cinnamon raisin one (with peanut butter) that I had was really good. I can see how this place would be perfect on a warm summer morning, because you could actually eat your bagel and drink your coffee on the stoop, or somewhere close by where you can bask in the sun. Or alternatively this could be a quick stop in on your way to work. If you come here with the thought of eating in, please note that there is ONE seat in the place - by the window bar. The counter staff on my particular visit was friendly and helpful. I was temporarily crestfallen - and 'crestfallen' is not a word I just throw around - to learn that they were out of everything bagels (I wanted to pair it with the olive spread), but my second choice (mentioned above) turned out alright - especially when washed down with a perfectly-brewed coffee. A little highlight to a visit here is that you can see the bagel elves merrily rolling bagel dough at the table behind the counter. It's a great feeling knowing that your bagel was made literally 10 feet away from where you are eating it (unless you can't get that ONE stool, and then it's more like 20 or 25 feet away if you're forced to eat it in your car like a creeper). 4 stars because they were out of everything bagels, and because the price is a bit higher than I would typically spend on a piece of bread. But I guess you're paying for what you get!
(4)Kelly A.
I post a review after eating just one bagel, and a day-old bagel at that. Picked up half a dozen garlic bagels in a plastic bag and the sweet sticky stench was so strong in the car that my kid said she was going to get sick so I had to triple bag the critters. Even triple-bagged, the whole kitchen smelt like an anti-vampire convention the next morning. Boy did I anticipate the garlicky goodness as the stench amplified in the toaster, it even woke up the same kid who said she lost all appetite for breakfast with all that garlic aroma in the flat. Spread on some Philly, I was back in heaven, back in Manhattan of my youth where every day started with bagels and Philly or bagels and LOX. At $1 a pop for a day-old, what could be wrong about that? I will return with eagerness for the fresh bagels.......
(5)Meli L.
Yum, love UBC- my go to is the bread and roses (your choice of cream cheese, lox, veggies - tomato, spinach, red onion, and cucumber, olive oil, salt and pepper). It's a super small place, be prepared to take it to go. It gets busy and crowded in there on the weekends, but definitely worth it.
(4)Lindsey L.
And just when I thought I had my favorite bagel in the Portland area, Union Bagel Co joins the scene and jumps its way to the very top of my list. Union Bagel has a straightforward and simple menu of bagels, cream cheese and coffee. What makes these bagels so great is the top quality ingredients and expert preparation. I highly HIGHLY recommend trying these bagels. Just note, they don't have a bagel sandwich menu or an array of other toppings. If you need this sort of breakfast experience, it's still worth buying a dozen bagels to bring home and make your own sandwiches. Also, I genuinely enjoy talking to the staff when I go in there - good people!
(5)Greg J.
If you're going to do one thing, do it really well. Found this place a month or so ago after I'd finally had enough of the fancy dandy place over in South Portland. Don't get me wrong, that place makes a fine bagel, although a little overrated let's be honest. I'm just tired of waiting 15 minutes for it with some skinny jean dude's creepy Bon Iver beard tickling the back of my neck. Ease up off me son. The last time I was in there I literally thought they were making the bagels to order from scratch. My girlfriend, one of the most patient humans on the planet, wanted to walk out without our already paid for bagel. I told her to slow her roll on that junk. Papa bear don't shell out a five spot and leave without his feed. Didn't even know about Union. Now I do. The bagels and the iced coffee are outstanding. The last time my squirrel and I crept up through there I got me a garlic bagel with jalapeño cream cheese, red onion and avocado. The cream cheese was perfectly peppered. You got that nice fruitiness of the jalapeño with the perfect amount of heat. Spicy but not dumb, I can't taste anything else, hey guys look how spicy this thing I'm eating is spicy. My angel got the Bread and Roses(gotta change that name guys, absolutely have to.) Essentially you pick your bagel and cream cheese then the Union gang load it with every vegetable they have I believe, smoked salmon and finish it with olive oil. Both were excellent. The toppings were all fresh and the cream cheese was great as well. Most importantly the bagels themselves had that slight crunch from the toasting but still that great sort of toothy chewiness. Definitely bagels done right. Do be advised this place is tiny. I mean tiny. Like if you sneeze in there somebody is definitely getting pregnant. What? If there's four or so people waiting it's like playing twister with people suffering from elephantiasis. Come again? Now we just call ahead and flex that pick up game like a straight boss.
(4)Anjoli M.
After about a year of getting my favorite, the everything bagel with jalapeño cream cheese, I finally decided to try the "Bread and Roses" sandwich. OMG, this is so good-especially on the everything bagel with jalapeño cream cheese. It is now my favorite to get when I am feeling rich!!
(5)Mrs. G.
I love their bagels so much! They are a great cross between a new york bagel and a mr. bagel, but completely organic! The feel in this shop is sooo unique and wonderful, and the staff is extremely friendly. HOWEVER...while I absolutely appreciate the effort that went into making homemade vegan spreads...it was not good. Now, I love garlic, and hummus just as much as the next vegan, but this (I ordered the plain) was like, a mild garlic paste taste and texture on my bagel...not great. Maybe the flax seed one is better? Maybe you guys could carry toffuti anyway, and still make your homemade tofu spread? I still love you...just not your homemade tofu spread.
(4)Gringo M.
This place has great bagels and great cream cheese! I would recommend them to anyone, local or visiting. Though the smallness is quaint, when there are a few people in here it gets SMALL FAST. Be prepared to grab and go.
(4)Maria H.
Really great bagels, friendly and quick service. We had everything bagels, the egg and cheese was delicious. The olive cream cheese was tasty too.
(5)Samantha G.
A must-have when travelling/living in Portland. I discovered it on an off-chance Sunday morning passing through, and what a pleasure it was! The boyfriend and I had cravings for bagels, and since we were on Munjoy Hill already, figured, "Why not?" We walked in, and realizing the limited space, waited just outside until the previous customers had exited. A bright, colorful, and welcoming little bagel shop, most of which is comprised of the kitchen. Yes, the "storefront" is small, but what it lacks in seating, it makes up for in everything else- the bagels are incredible. Incredible. I grabbed a cinnamon raisin with plain cheese, and the boyfriend grabbed an everything with jalapeno cheese. Didn't try the coffee, as we already had one, but it looked like they had a decent, basic setup for that. The price was right (quite inexpensive) and the location was easy to find (it's right on Cumberland Ave)! If ever you find yourself in the area, make sure to stop in. You took my heart, Union Bagel Company. Keep up the great work!
(5)Olivia C.
One word: authenticity. Came here on a whim while leaving Portland to go back to RI. This bagel place did not disappoint. The two people working there (a woman and a man) were so great. Very friendly and welcoming. Especially when they heard we were out of state. The other Yelp reviews don't lie-- this place is definitely worth the time. Cheap bagels with delicious spreads. It's a small shop with a lot going on. The bagels were a little small but packed a lot of flavor. The only reason for a 4 star vs 5 star is because I wish I had the option for an egg sandwich. But with a classic bagel shop, you can't expect that. Wish I could come back again! Don't miss out on the kind employees and authentic New York bagels.
(4)A D.
Darn good bagels
(5)Eric L.
If there is one thing besides good beer I'm passionate about, bagels will come in a close 2nd. Union knocks it out of the park. No pretension, just well crafted, fresh and delicious bagels. If you like your bagel slightly will toasted, you should ask for it. Solid cream cheese selection too. The staff care - this means a lot too. I believe they serve Arabica coffee. Small size only. They have Square for debit/credit card purchasing. I like them. I like them a lot. Thank you Union for saving me the commute to Scratch. I have the Portland areas best bagel spot down the street.
(5)William T.
These are not only the best bagels in Portland, they are among the best bagels in the country - hands down. They are the real deal. You can tell they are hand-made with care. They are fresh. Pleasant service. Nice owners. Here, bagels are the star and Portland is lucky to have this place. May they grow and prosper. I'm sure they work very hard.
(5)Jeff V.
I saw the glowing yelp reviews for Union Bagel Co so we stopped in on our way out of Portland. The shop doesn't look like much, but they do make a great bagel. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside--the way a bagel should be. There wasn't a big variety to pick from for bagels, and you'll probably need to take your bagels on the road, but its definitely a great find if you want a bagel. Friendly guys working there, too.
(4)Andrea I.
Best bagel in Portland, as close to ny style as I've found here. Good iced coffee, too!
(5)Eliza M.
I was so excited when I saw a new bagel kid on the block! I've been waiting with bated breath for this new storefront to open up. Hubs and I made our way down on their second day in the rain. Booooo, rain. We would have rather walked, but nothing was going to keep us from trying Union Bagel Co. So we waltzed into a warm, bright space with nice decor (some original, some salvaged from a WWII boat - neat!) and the smell of fresh bagels hanging in the air. Toby, one of the owners was there, and he explained a bit about the space and how great the first day had been. They sold out! I love that. Once I saw the olive cream cheese, I was sold. I LOVEEEE (love love love, can't emphasize it enough) olive cream cheese. We both got a plain bagel (there are other flavors - everything, garlic, onion, poppy seed, sesame, and plain) and a few different types of cream cheese. We both got them toasted, although next time I'll send mine through three times - I really like a crunchy outside and chewy inside. We each got a coffee to go (Arabica coffee) with cream and sugar. I'm on a decaf kick since I'm growing a human, but I thought a little caffeine would do me well this dreary morning. No decaf available (yet?) The bagels were SUPERB. Way better than up the street at Hilltop. Hilltop, you know I love you guys - maybe you should start buying Union Co. bagels? although hubs likes Hilltop's coffee (CBD) better than Arabica. Chewy inside, little tiny pockets of air, and a nice crispy outside makes for a delicious breakfast. The consistency was really perfect. I am a big Scratch bagel fan and these bagels, while slightly thicker and chewier, satisfied me in a similar way. I might go back tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. I mean, after all, if baby is craving a bagel, baby gets a bagel.
(5)Steff D.
I am constantly on the hunt for a good bagel, especially since Maine is saturated with chain coffee places that sell cardboard tasting "donuts with rigor mortis" that they pass off as bagels. If you, too, can't seem to satisfy your carb craving... have you tried Union Bagel Co.? It's a small gem tucked away in the East End that has barely enough room for two people to stand in line at. And while the prices are a little on the steep end, the bagels ARE made with high-quality ingredients including organic flour (remember: you get what you pay for, and ain't that the truth when it comes to pastries and baked goods). We came in around 9ish on a weekday morning; there was just one person sitting outside drinking coffee. Inside there was a little girl sitting on a stool with cream cheese from ear to ear. The man behind the counter looked up at us and smiled like we were old friends. "Hey guys, how've you been? How was your weekend?" We had never met this man before, but he made us feel so comfortable and so welcome that we wanted to be his friends. And while sometimes this can come off as disingenuous, it doesn't here. We felt like we belonged there despite never having set foot in the place before. The man told us that the little girl was his daughter (they had several adorable exchanges); he apologized profusely for not having iced coffee; and, he made small talk with us that felt totally natural. We left thinking that we had possibly just met the nicest man in the city of Portland. The bagels themselves were unlike any I've ever had in Maine. Meaty, dense, chewy... the texture alone will have you going in bite after bite. If you're looking for a different kind of bagel experience, you NEED to come to UBC! Overall, UBC is absolutely delightful. There's no other way to describe it. However... and I feel terrible for saying this, but... I didn't think their cream cheese was anything special. YES, I KNOW. They're a BAGEL place; it's not called "Union Cream Cheese Co.", but the two go hand-in-hand. There's nothing that can turn an awesome bagel into a mediocre one like subpar cream cheese. Only three were listed on their board when we went: plain, olive, and chive. After reading other's reviews, I got the chive but I'm sad to say it was incredibly bland. As in: when we got home I added jarred jalapeno slices to it for a little more flavor. The boyo actually got Union's jalapeno cream cheese (something that wasn't listed on their board, but he spotted a container of it nearby and asked anyway... further proof that if you don't ask about something, the answer is always no!), but he said there wasn't much of a "punch" to it. Is this enough of an issue to deny UBC a five-star rating? Yes, and here's why: when I go out for a bagel, I don't want to then have to go to another store to find cream cheese. And that's what I feel I'd have to do with UBC. So, while they won't become my go-to when a bagel craving hits, they WILL become my go-to when I'm in need of bagels for the house and have the time to stop and get or (if I have a lot of time) make my own cream cheese.
(4)Bets R.
This place is the best!! Seriously I wish I could give them ten stars. Go here and get a bagel no matter what- even if you have to drag your limbless body ten miles through the snow while being chased by rabid dogs. It is all worth it for a Union bagel. The bagels are delicious. I am currently stuck on sesame with chive cream cheese, but every combination I've had has been excellent. And everyone who works there is the nicest ever! Even the other customers are nice! You guys, this place just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Bagels are the best, and these are the best bagels. And they are made and served by super nice, great people to boot. It's a win win win!
(5)David L.
Meh... Small bagels, overpriced. 15.00 for a dozen small bagels. I give them credit considering there's no brueggers in this town. Haven't tried mr bagel but these don't cut it. Maybe for 8.00 a dozen I could understand why they are small but at 15.00 I think the town of Portland deserves better!
(2)Lauren G.
stopped here after a wedding weekend and were SO pleasantly surprised. I'm a huge NY bagel snob and I loved these - got a toasted everything with scallion cream cheese and avocado and it was SO GOOD! the staff were super friendly even though the tiny shop was packed solid. We even took home half a dozen and a tin of everything toppings, yum!
(5)Simon T.
Just stopped by Union Bagel for the first time-- and it did not disappoint. I ordered an onion bagel with olive cream cheese, and it was delicious. The bagel was soft, chewy, and fresh, and the cream cheese added the perfect touch. The service was very quick and the employees were incredibly friendly. I'll definitely be back soon, and will opt for Union Bagel over Bagelworks / Mr. Bagel for all my future bagel needs!
(5)Cla H.
Gorgeous bagels baked and served by extra nice people. If I lived in Portland I'd go very often to this small authentic shop. I'd give them a sixth star if they had an espresso machine ;)
(5)Clayton P.
AWSOME & AUTHENTIC. This is the real deal in NY bagels. Boiked and then baked for chewy, crispy heaven. Made by a guy from Brooklyn who knows his stuff. Easily the very best north of the 5 Boroughs. Friendly staff. Clean. House-made smooshed-in specialty cream cheeses too. WOW. I'm drooling as I write this. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE!! (Trust me, I'm from NYC)
(5)Flora F.
I make a point of not toasting bagels unless I've had them sitting at home overnight. If they're worth eating, to me they're good enough to eat untoasted. I've had a couple of bagels here now, and both have passed the test, even at noon: chewy outside, moist but dense inside, amply topped with seeds/salt plus a generous schmear of cream cheese (I tried the plain and the olive, both great). All that and organic flour too, for a perfectly reasonable price. These are as good as any bagels I've had, anywhere. Staff are super-friendly and helpful. If you can snag the one seat at the tiny counter, it makes a perfect spot for watching the sidewalk outside. This is the kind of place that adds a lot to a neighborhood.
(5)Penelope A.
UPDATE: Lox, and all the fixin's are now available at Union Bagel Co! Where else can you go and ask for, and get, *everything* on an everything bagel? (onions, capers, tomato, cucumber, CC and salmon) Take-out only.
(5)S S.
AHHHHmazing bagel here. Really, don't waste your time any place else and I mean ANY place else. This bagel does the NYC bagel proud. (and might I say from much experience...puts many NYC bagels to shame). The place is cute, quick in and out. The Owners are just extraordinary. Really leaves you wondering if you come here for the bagels or for the way you feel after chatting with Paul and Toby. You'll figure it out quickly....it's both!
(5)Matt V.
These guys are my pressure relief valve a couple days a week when I'm running late. Funny thing is, after going out of my way to get there and shooting the breeze with the friendly staff it typically makes me more late. Guess it speaks to the quality of the product and service. If you like chewy, authentic bagels and good service, check these guys out!
(5)Bill D.
All has been said. 5 stars. Will return.
(5)Brad B.
The holy donut of bagels in Portland. Maybe this should be called the holy bagel. Great bagels, super friendly staff! The fact that they sell out on occasions is surely a good sign! While I'm a dedicated CBD drinker their coffee is totally passable and their cold cases are filling with other drink options as the weeks go by. A perfect quick breakfast space! And take some home!! Hoping that the landlord gets the outdoor patio space up and running and again. It would be a great addition!
(5)Madeleine B.
So, I'm not the bagel connoisseur that some of the other reviewers seem to be, but I know a good bagel when I have one. Union Bagel fits the bill. Perfectly shaped, perfectly chewy, perfectly crispy, perfectly delicious. I picked up a variety for a weekend away, and each one was fantastic. The staff was awesome, the place perfectly located, the selection just right, and the cream cheeses... oh man, the cream cheeses!!! My favorite was the jalapeno- worked perfectly on a salt bagel. Yum. I am hours removed from this store right now, but when I am back in Portland I will, without a doubt, be frequenting Union Bagel again! For those that are local, make this your go-to place, stat.
(5)Ryan C.
I would give it 4 stars for the bagel, but -1 star for the fact that it can be cumbersome to order when there are even a few people in there. It does not always seem organized, you cram in and can't tell who ordered and who hasn't.
(3)Amber B.
While the bagels and the cream cheese are worth the five-star rating all on their own, we found the service to be exceptional. They guys that run Union Bagel are extremely friendly and welcoming. We'll miss our visits now that we've moved to the other Portland.
(5)Jill F.
Awesome bagels, great owners... I wish they would come to Portsmouth NH! Get there early around 6 when they open and get them still warm. Amazing.
(5)Ver C.
Finally, a REAL bagel shop in Portland! This is what my fiancé and I have been waiting for since we moved to ME last summer. We frequent this place probably 2x's a week and absolutely love their bagels. I'm not sure if I've ever had a "real" NY bagel before but from other reviews, apparently that's what these are. All I KNOW is that these are good, REALLY good! My top favorite bagels at Union Bagel Co. are: 1. Salt bagel (SOO deadly!!!) 2. Garlic bagel 3. Plain bagel (May be plain Jane but I like it that way!) 4. Onion bagel The only thing this place needs which my fiancé has suggested is an asiago cheese bagel. OMG, if they made an asiago cheese bag I would probably die of happiness.
(5)Bill C.
I am in no way wishing that anything related to New York City ever infect the heaven that Portland Maine is, but I have to say that after searching for 27 years for a "real" bagel in the State of Maine, I have finally found it. In Maine, any yeasty baked good with a hole in the middle is called a bagel. It just ain't so. People rave about Scratch Bakery bagels in South Portland, nope. Other folks like Mr. Bagel, sorry. And then there is Dunkin Donuts.... not even going there. The buzz on the Union Bagel shop is on the rise so I thought I would make the trip over to Cumberland Avenue and have a look for myself. The idea came into my head pretty late in the day so I called first and asked if they had any left. The guy who answered (I think he is the owner but I forgot to get his name) said that they had just finished making a batch for a special order and I could have a dozen if I wanted. I thought I would start out with the Holy Trinity of bagels so I told him I wanted four poppy, four everything, and four plain (for the training wheels set). I got there at 3:05 and told him I was the guy who called. He had the bagels already in the bag and he even had the presence of mind to keep the bag open because the bagels were so fresh that he was afraid they would suffer from the humidity in a closed bag. I was a little shocked to see that a dozen were $15, but after 27 years of searching, money really isn't an object now is it. I decided to wait to where I could get to a place where I could really appreciate them and give them a fair shake. The smell of the fresh bagels in the truck overpowered the fading skunk smell from the dog's recent introduction to the wee striped beasty. It was the perfect air freshener. Finally, back home with my wife's ridiculously expensive bread knife in my hand, I carefully sawed through the obviously hand-formed lump of doughy promise. If I wasn't holding a very sharp knife, I would have closed my eyes until I could see the inside and see if finally someone "got it." I might look funny, but I'm not stupid, so I kept my eyes open while I carefully split her wide open. Yes! NO AIR HOLES!!! Just thick, heavy, chewy, dough from one end to the other (with the obligatory hole in the middle of course). One of my biggest peaves about bagels that are made people who don't know what they are doing is that they ALLOW air holes in their bagels. Farging Air Holes. If you get an air hole in a bagel, throw it out, change your dough recipe, and start over. A bagel should only have one hole in the middle of it. All other voids in the dough are a FAIL. Union Bagels do not fail. So the visuals, the aromatics, the hand rolled artisan quality were all scoring high. The only thing left is the taste.... Now a bagel is a complex taste. You need to first lift it. It's like an onion. It should be heavier than it looks. Check. Next the crust should be firm and shiny. Is that how you spell shiny? Check. I decided for this first test bagel I would have cream cheese on one side and butter on the other so that I gave it the fair shake. The bagel (or is it now two halves of a single bagel qualifying as two bagels?) was the perfect starched plane for accepting the lubricating condiments. Spreading cream cheese on one half did not cause the bagel to self destruct. Spreading butter on the other side, did not cause the bagel to wince in embarrassment. Lifting the bagel to my lips I exhaled a bit and bit down. My teeth sunk into the meat of the bagel and prepared to hold on for the equal and opposite force of pulling back. Just enough resistance to know you have your own teeth in your mouth. This wasn't one of those store-bought bagels that are marketed to folks with dentures or kids who don't understand bagelotecha. So far, so good. As a matter of fact, so perfect. Actually chewing a bagel in Maine. Actually chewing something of substance. You don't know how great this is. It is a complete mystery to me that good baking escaped this whole state from the New Hampshire border northward. So, the answer to anyone who is serious about the first thing they put into their mouth on a weekend, or to bring to work, is Union Bagel. Get thee to the bagelry and get a dozen. Bring them to work. Give them out to your neighbors. Use the convenient hole in the middle and make a necklace and wear them to a party. If anyone disagrees that these aren't the best bagels in Maine, then tell them from me that they are idiots and probably don't like natural casing hot dogs either. But that's another story for another time.... BC-out.
(5)