Chow Down Atlanta

So you already know by now. The best bagels in Atlanta are not in Atlanta. They’re in Alpharetta. All of them.  These elusive bagels — because if you live in the city, you must fight traffic, make the 45-minute trek up north and make sure you get there before 2PM OR have a good friend named Chloe aka the bagel fairy who makes deliveries to in town friends — are made the traditional, old-fashioned, New York City way. Hand rolled and kettle boiled.  The result is a shiny, chewy bagel that’s dense and firm yet airy and spongy. These unique bagels (the size of a small child’s head) are hand-rolled (and hand-formed), boiled in a kettle, then baked. The boiling process creates a distinct, moist, sweetish crust absent on mass-produced versions. Not only is the process unique, the appearance is, too. Most have completely no holes!

What used to be Bitchin’ is now Bronx. More family-friendly name, I guess. These bagels were started by a couple, the Siinos, who moved here from New York. Their main baker started his craft at New York City Deli & Bagels which was also in Alpharetta. Many years after, in what would be the ultimate homage to their craft, the Siinos took over the NYC Deli location and transformed it into their second BB’s location which just opened recently.

A few miles down the road, another hand-roller/kettle-boiler joint entered the scene about two years ago: Essex Bagels. There has been a lot of denying on Essex’s part but I was told by BB’s baker himself that he makes the dough and hand-rolls them for Essex. I spend a lot of time equally on both places.   Although the appearance and texture are identical, the recipe isn’t exactly the same. BB’s are slightly sweeter.  I like them both.

Every single flavor is fantastic. Chocolate chip and French toast are good enough for dessert. Sun-dried tomato and Veggie both taste like they have tomatoes and veggies in them. The blueberry? Yes, it tastes like blueberries. Salt, Garlic, Pumpernickel, and Everything? Get ready for a sensation of flavors (and scents). Of course, the Plain, Wheat, and Egg are amazing. Their homemade cream cheeses are delicious. Try the scallion, lox, and chocolate chip.

But wait. These bagels on steroids aren’t the only thing good at these places. Breakfasts are, too. Grits are made from scratch, omelets are fluffy, corned beef hash is chunky and tasty, biscuits are flaky. Oh, and let’s not forget about the Taylor ham. A great contender to the Canadian bacon, this pork roll is sliced thin then grilled. Yummy. By the way, try the bagel pizza at Essex. Available only upon request.

Don’t take my word for it. Go for the bagels. And breakfast. Just go.

BB’s Bagels & Diner
Open daily from 6AM – 2PM
2 Locations:
Main:
770 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-1818

New:
10995 State Bridge Road
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Ph. 770-754-9595

Essex Bagels
11030 Medlock Bridge Rd Ste 160
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 476-8214

Technorati Tags: Alpharetta, bagels, BB’s, Scoutmob, Local Scout

I’ve been addicted to BB’s bagels lately. My brother regularly sends or brings me H&H Bagels from New York but I’ve found a close substitute here in the ‘burbs. These are boiled bagels, made from scratch daily. They are chewy, dense, and yeasty, with a tiny hint of sour, and a tad bit sweet. Perfection.

But aside from their famous bagels, they serve breakfast and lunch daily until 2pm. Everything is made in house and almost everything is made from scratch. So which one isn’t? The Taylor ham. I love this. It’s a pork roll from New Jersey. Kinda like a bologna. Here, they slice them thin and fry them lightly. I like that it’s not salty at all. Good for breakfast.

You’ve got to visit BB’s. Everyone that comes in is like family. Incidentally, a couple of weeks ago, I discovered Essex bagels which is closer to my house. Rumor has it that they get their dough from BB’s. Well, not exactly. According to Eddie (owner of BB’s), they do roll the dough for Essex but the recipe is slightly different. I agree. BB’s is chewier. Essex is a little on the bland side. BB’s rules.

The scoop:
BB’s Bagels and Diner
770 McFarland Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-1818

Technorati Tags: bagels, diner, Alpharetta, boiled bagels, NY bagels

Two words: boiled bagels. If you’re a New Yorker then you know what I’m talking about. My brother regularly sends or brings me H&H Bagels from New York but I’ve found a close substitute here in the metro: Essex Bagels.

These huge, authentic NY bagels (the size of a child’s head) are dense, chewy, and doughy with a shiny, smooth coating. Boiling the bagels prior to baking ensures they have such trademark interior and crust. If you haven’t had one of these, then you must run and get one. It is that good.

Note: Essex uses bagel dough from BB’s. So if you can’t drive all the way to Cumming, this Johns Creek/Alpharetta option is much closer.

Insider tip:
Bagels are $0.95 each and Specialty Bagels are $1.25.
Bakers Dozen is $11.40
They have a nice dining area with tables and booths including free wifi. Breakfast (served all day) and lunch are available.

The scoop:
Essex Bagels & Deli
11030 Medlock Bridge Rd Ste 160
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 476-8214

Technorati Tags: boiled bagels, NY bagels, Johns Creek, Alpharetta