I absolutely love The Bagel Emporium. I would even say that it is my favorite place to eat in the town of Armonk. The reason: each time I walk in, I can expect the same- a simply delicious, fresh bagel. However, recently, I have heard some chatter around another northern Westchester bagel shop, this being Mount Kisco Bagels. And when fellow Armonkians told me that they actually preferred Mount Kisco Bagels over their hometown bagel place, I knew I had to give it a try.
To determine the superior bagel place, I conducted a single bagel blind taste test from The Bagel Emporium and Mount Kisco Bagels, thus eliminating all potential bias. But the question remained: What type of bagel can single-handedly help me determine the better shop? Well, I wanted a bagel that could encompass the quality of ALL the bagels at each store. So, I thought … what better than an “everything bagel,” which is practically 5 bagels (poppy seed, sesame seed, garlic, onion, and salt) in one! To keep it simple, I asked for plain cream cheese on top of each “everything bagel.” And before you ask … yes, the bagel was toasted.
So, I have decided on the bagel type, but still the question looms: which bagel shop “The Bagel Emporium” or “Mount Kisco Bagels” will reign supreme?
Bagel 1
At first glance, this bagel is toasted nicely, completely covered with “everything seasoning” (a good sign), yet lacks much cream cheese. Now, I won’t judge the bagel simply on how it looks; I will evaluate it on its flavor. My first bite provides a satisfying crunch, indicating a toast job well done. The “everything seasoning” provides the perfect compliment to the bagel, with the sesame seeds adding texture, and the onion contributing much needed flavor. The bagel is lighter than expected, which is nice, but as a result, lacks the gratification you obtain from a doughier bagel. However, the main issue I have with this bagel is the cream cheese. There’s hardly any of it! And for the cream cheese that does exist, it is liquidy, resembling melted butter more so than classic Philadelphia cream cheese.
Bagel 2
Meanwhile, this bagel, as compared to Bagel 1, is toasted lightly (often preferable for me), lacks much “everything seasoning,” and is smeared with a TON of cream cheese. My first bite provides a stark contrast between the two bagels. While Bagel 1 is lighter and crunchier, Bagel 2 is softer and doughier, giving it a fresher taste. The result? Each bite is extremely fulfilling. However, the “everything seasoning,” unlike Bagel 1’s, does not contribute much to the overall flavor and texture. Finally … the cream cheese. Like I said, there is a lot of it! It is both salty and sweet, and much denser than Bagel 1’s. Oh, how delicious. Amazing job Bagel 2!
The Reveal
Bagel 1: “Mount Kisco Bagels”
Bagel 2: “The Bagel Emporium”
The Verdict
I cannot say that I was surprised with this result. While Mount Kisco Bagels put up a good fight with its superior “everything” seasoning, Bagel 2 was simply tastier. It was fresher and doughier; plus, it was smothered in cream cheese. I have to say- this was an easy choice for me.
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