Because mrbarolo doesn't want to change his
vituperative thread title (which is his right), I'm starting a new thread with a more neutral name. My thread may not get nearly as many views or responses, but at least it will exist--and come up at some point when people do searches.
Here's a list of things I like about The Bagel:
1. The pickles, which you can tell used to be cucumbers. That's the kind of pickle I like. And they're put on the table for free.
2. The chicken soup with matzo ball or kreplach. The broth is rich and homemade tasting, with just enough salt. The matzo ball is huge but not heavy. The kreplach dough could never be called delicate, but it tastes good, and the ground beef inside is garlicky and delicious. The Bagel has my favorite versions of these soups in the city.
3. The chocolate phosphates made by "my" waitress there. Perfection. Just the right proportion of chocolate to soda. Once you start sipping, you just wish the glass could never end.
4. The guys behind the takeout counter, who always greet me with a smile (unless it's Sunday morning when they're crazy busy, but I understand).
5. The nova lox, mild and delicious.
6. The fries. They're unconventional, with more "crust" on them than some, and I'm not sure how they do that (others here could probably explain the cooking process that creates the texture), but I like them a lot.
7. The mushroom barley soup, which I hardly ever get because I like the chicken soup so much.
8. The pastrami. I'm not saying it's as good as Manny's. But it doesn't have to be as good as Manny's to be good.
9. The blintzes. I had them once and like them.
10. Yes, free parking.
11. The challah, put on the table free just like the pickles. Fresh and tasty. A little butter on it, and dipped into the chicken soup, and it becomes heavenly.
That's really just a start. Maybe I'll nominate The Bagel for a GNR the next time that comes around. Its legions of fans would certainly agree with the designation.