There are few foods as satisfying to the soul as a fresh, soft bagel. Except perhaps a fresh, soft, warm bagel slathered in equally fresh whipped cream cheese. While bagels may not be considered soul food, there is no question they are food for the soul.
Bagels are also a source of great debate. Some love Montreal style, while New Yorker’s claim theirs are the best. Ex-Pats from both of those towns look down upon Toronto bagels, claiming their home style is the supreme.
Having grown up in Greater Toronto, I obviously have an affinity for our style of bagels. There is no better bagel than the wonderfully soft rounds that come from a nondescript little shop on Bathurst Street. Gryfe’s Bagel Bakery has been lovingly making bagels since 1957.
The staple of Gryfe’s bagel-dom is the poppyseed bagel, which marries a decadently soft bagel with the little black seeds which add both flavour and texture to the outer surface. I hesitate to call it a crust, as it is anything but. Equally tempting are their everything bagels, which add yet another layer of flavour to the mix.
For those looking for a quick snack or with kids at home, Gryfe’s also makes the most incredible mini pizzas. With a soft crust and just a tiny bit of tomato sauce and cheese, these pies are perfect at room temperature. Heat them if you must, but it is not needed.
To fully get your breakfast fill, cream cheese is a must, but not just any old cream cheese will do. On our visit yesterday, we dropped by Daiter’s Fresh Market, just a few doors north of Gryfe’s, and picked up some of their house made whipped cream cheese. Daiter’s has been making soft cheeses since 1937, so you know they’ve got it right.
Both styles are wonderful with cream cheese, but I dare you to make the trip home without pulling one of the warm treats out of the bag. Go ahead, nobody will notice just one missing!
Gryfe’s Bagel Bakery is located at 3421 Bathurst Street in Toronto. There is no parking out front, so be prepared to go hunting on the side streets for a spot. They accept cash only and the closest bank machine is a long walk north at the 7/11.
