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While Upper West Siders anticipate how ‘New Absolute Bagel‘ will compare to the iconic original, another bagel spot quietly opened just a couple blocks away last week. Thanks to Dave Cook of Eating In Translation for the tip.
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A hole-in-the-wall, this narrow yet cozy, no-frills space has seating for four. When we walked in to say hi, we had free rein to place a lickety-split order and grab a seat as “Starboy” (feat. Ina Shai) by Vladish played on the sound system.
The friendly woman behind the counter informed us that the items at this Bagels and Cream are made fresh daily at their Bronx location and brought over, including their cream cheese. For our first foray, we kept it classic and went with a cinnamon raisin bagel with plain cream cheese, untoasted ($4.00), along with a double chocolate muffin ($4.00) she recommended as one of her favorites — also a popular fan selection from their Bronx B&C.
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The prices were nice for locally baked goods, and we were offered a complimentary Lavazza coffee made to our preference — so a black iced coffee it was.
We expect traffic to pick up here once word gets out. The bagel had the qualities you look for in a clutch staple: a crispy exterior with that nice chew. We’ll surely return to try something new. The muffin was suitable; we pulled off the top and put the rest in our backpack to enjoy later on our travels. I probably should have gotten it toasted with a good dose of butter. Traffic picked up while we ate, with one person even coming in to say hi, noting the long history of great bagels in the area, then leaving without ordering anything — perhaps due to dietary restrictions, as it was Passover.
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Bagels and Cream also makes breakfast sandwiches on a bagel, roll, wrap, or panini, starting at $5.00. Avocado toast, served on your choice of bread or bagel with tomatoes and everything seeds, is $8.00. All sandwiches are made to order. There’s a “Supreme” chicken cutlet sandwich with marinara, mozzarella, and tomato for $12 — but no grinder option; it’s on a bagel or roll. They also make omelette platters, which come with three eggs and a bagel on the side. Their “Healthy” version features egg whites, broccoli, and mushrooms ($10.00).
Hot and cold beverages are plentiful at B&C. A basic coffee starts at $2.00, with flavor options including hazelnut, caramel, vanilla, and lavender. The large iced coffee they gifted me would have been $4.00. Just in time for the heat, they offer iced tea lemonade for $3.50 — or, for those who like it hot, a hot chocolate for $3.50. Add a buck for a large.
Considering that the West 100s have lost some key eateries recently, Bagels and Cream is a true blessing — offering quality, good prices, and filling a void in the neighborhood.
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You call cinnamon raisin bagels classic??