Are Bagels the Number One Food In America? 

At Onion Roll, our menu has always been inspired by the people who walk through our doors. That’s why we’re opening up the floor to you.

The verdict is in.  The country has chosen the bagel as the next biggest foodie boom. Whether you reside on the East Coast or not, no longer matters, because when it comes to consuming bagels, every shop is “New York-Style”.  But what makes a NY bagel so good, and why on earth is it so trendy? 

Thanks to social media, and of course private equity, bagels are the most sought after foods in America. Some shops have lines out the doors serving only a few flavors at astronomical prices with cream cheese flavors difficult to pronounce.  While others continue to carry artesian bagels with 1-3 day proofing process.  
Bagels have a very long heritage.  They originated from Poland in the 17th century (the 1600’s) and brought to New York by Jewish immigrants. This is why there is a lot of relation between bagels and Jewish cuisine. 
There are really two types or bagels, and one is definitely more popular than the other. 
First, you have you New York-style, boiled-to-bake, giving the crust a nice crisp and the crumb a perfect chew. 
Next up, there is the Montreal-style in which the dough is boiled in a sweet honey water and then wood fired to perfection. 
Whatever preference your tastebuds desire, there are plenty of bagel joints in every city to choose from.  And as for the cream cheese, do we really need as many flavors as when you walk into a gelato shop?
“Bagelfests” have been unleashed in several cities where consumers can try for themselves, or at least they can record a video for others to watch as they claim themselves “food reviewers” so that hundreds of thousands can be influenced instead of making their own decisions.  Or maybe its safe to say that they persuade others to visit shops that they claim to be the best. And this in itself is a little odd, being that most have zero culinary experience. 
It is absolutely crazy that there is essentially an all-out bagel war and the real question to be asked is…are your bagels “New York Bagels” or New York-Style Bagels”.  
As far as most are concerned, if its round with a hole in the middle, its a bagel.  
Does the water really make a difference? Do you really need all of these crazy cream cheese flavors? Is it bread or is it a bagel?  Do you prefer a sourdough or plain dough?  Do you like seeds?  Toasted or Not? Dress it up or rat it whole? Tear it and wear it or cut it and schmear it? These are all questions for you to decide.  
There is one thing that is clear…when you have over a dozen and a half bagel flavors to choose from, there is only one option that makes the most sense…The Onion Roll
~Ryan, Igor & Leo
The Onion Roll