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Along with Celine Dion, the Olympic stadium and the Canadiens hockey team, the bagel is probably one of Montreal’s best known symbols. But do you know why? Because Montreal bagels are rather unique, and what makes them different also makes them tastier. Specifically, I think that Montreal bagels beat out New York and Toronto bagels, hands down. No contest. And I’m not alone. In fact, some people make the trip to Montreal especially for the bagels, while others go to the trouble of having them shipped to their hometown. Really!
But don’t just take my word for it. Check out this video of some Montreal bagel die-hards at St-Viateur Bagel.
http://www.youtube.com/v/T6a9BCiRjvQ&hl=fr&fs=1
In addition to the people you see in the video, you should know that Celine Dion is a regular customer, and astronaut Gregory Chamitoff brought some bagels with him on his mission to the International Space Station in 2008.
So, now that you know that Montreal bagels are deliciously better than all other versions, here are some other fun bagel facts:
• The bagel is the only bread product that is boiled before it is baked.
• There are 20 different varieties
• Montreal and New York bagels both have their roots in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe.
• The first Montreal bagel was sold in 1919.
• There are two main bagel institutions in Montreal: Fairmount Bagel (founded in 1949) and St-Viateur Bagel (founded in 1957). Each has its own dedicated clientele, and then there are the rest of us who will happily eat at either bagelry.
• If you’re looking for a bagel-based meal, head to the St-Viateur Bagel and Café on Mont-Royal.
The food culture in Montréal is really unique. You can eat well at reasonable prices anywhere in town. Good food is really accessible here, and the quality of our local produce is outstanding. We’ve got that great French cooking heritage, but we put a laid-back spin on it. Plus, it’s about knowing that even if it’s minus 30 degrees outside, you can step out to your favourite local bistro and it will be full of people.
BRINGING THE BELMONT INTO 2010
