BATTLE OF THE BAGELS
The Bagel, the iconic symbol of New York has been thoroughly
ensconced as the dominant morning pastry for all New Yorkers. It has outgrown
its roots on the Lower East Side and has transcended religion, nationality,
race and geography to be the ultimate breakfast food. But now that illustrious
status is about to be challenged by a new boy on the block – the SIMIT!!!
The Simit is half bagel, half pretzel with similarities to
what New Yorkers know as a Flagel. It comes from Turkey and, while new to
America, is common in Turkey, other parts of Central Europe and the Middle East
where it can be found in stores and on pushcarts. It is soft and chewy on the
inside with a twisted crust on the outside that is covered with sesame seeds.
The Simit is being introduced to America in a chain of stores opening in New
York named Simit and Smith.
The Simit can be viewed as one of many cultural delights of
New York (they can even be smeared with cream cheese with Lox in the middle) or
can be viewed as a potential challenge to the Bagel we all know and have come
to love. The competition between the two might even become a titanic battle for
the hearts, minds and taste buds of New Yorkers. Perhaps this battle will be as
big as Mohammed Ali versus Sonny Liston, the New York Yankees versus the Boston
Red Sox, Godzilla versus King Kong (will Mortha be the bialy willing to take on
the winner?) Or will the two learn to peacefully coexist?
Stay tuned you fans of Ben and Marty’s Bagel Tours of New
York. The battle between the Simit and the Bagel has just begun!
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