The Existential Crisis of a Bagel Believer: How Many Ess-a-Bagels Are There in NYC (and Do They All Make My Favorite Everything Bagel?)
Ah, the humble bagel. A New York City staple, a breakfast of champions, a delightful paradox of chewy and crispy. But when it comes to where to get your bagel fix, the question becomes more complex than "sesame or poppyseed?" Enter Ess-a-Bagel, a name whispered with reverence amongst bagel aficionados. However, a crucial detail haunts our carb-loving dreams: just how many Ess-a-Bagel locations are there in NYC?
The Great Bagel Census: A Conspiracy Theory?
Here's the thing: there seems to be a shroud of secrecy surrounding the number of Ess-a-Bagel locations. Their website offers a tantalizing glimpse of two locations, but is that all? Are there secret bagel speakeasies hidden throughout the city, accessible only through whispered passwords and a handshake involving a schmear of scallion cream cheese? Is the whole "limited locations" thing a ploy to keep demand high?
Maybe it's Big Bagel trying to suppress the truth. Maybe it's a test, a bagel-based Kobayashi Maru designed to weed out the true bagel believers from the casual poppyseed pretenders. Whatever the reason, the lack of a definitive answer only adds to the allure of Ess-a-Bagel.
On a Quest for the Elusive Everything Bagel: A Tale of Two Boroughs
Undeterred by the mystery, I embarked on a personal bagel pilgrimage. First stop: Ess-a-Bagel on 3rd Avenue. The aroma of freshly baked bready goodness hit me like a hug from a giant, slightly yeasty grandma. The line snaked out the door, a testament to the bagel's popularity. And the everything bagel? Glorious. Perfectly golden brown, studded with an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink sprinkle, it was a symphony of textures and flavors.
Next, I ventured to the Midtown Manhattan location. The vibe was different, a bit more frenetic, but the quality remained. Here's the question that keeps me up at night: Did these two bagels taste exactly the same? Was it the subtle difference in location, the air itself, that imbued each bagel with a unique character? Or am I just overthinking things and, frankly, a little delirious from all the carbs?
The Verdict (Maybe): It's All About the Journey, Man
The truth is, the number of Ess-a-Bagel locations might forever remain a delightful mystery. But that's okay. The beauty lies in the search, the anticipation, the thrill of finally sinking your teeth into that perfect everything bagel. So, the next time you find yourself in New York City, embrace the bagel odyssey. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a hidden Ess-a-Bagel, and an everything bagel that changes your life.
P.S. If anyone has intel on additional, secret Ess-a-Bagel locations, hit me up. This bagel detective needs a lead (and maybe a napkin).
