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Montréal's Bagels-Are They the Best in the World? - Page 2

© Norman P. Goldman

There is nothing like it! These are the greatest bagels in the world! After all these are the world-renowned and legendary Montreal bagels!

To trace the history of the St-Viateur Bagel bakery we have to go back 40 years ago. A Jewish Gentleman from Eastern Europe and a holocaust survivor by the name of Myer Lewkowicz opened the first St-Viateur Bagel store in partners with Jack Shlafman who was the son of the owner of Fairmount bagel at the time. The store has remained a legend and is very often mentioned in many movies and books pertaining to Montréal. It has become part of the landscape.

It is quite fascinating to learn that according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica the bagel originated in central Europe.

One legend, which has been widely accepted throughout the years, is that in 1683 John 111 Sobieski, king of Poland, successfully defended his county from a Turkish invasion.

Apparently it seems there was a local baker who wanted to celebrate the victory of this horseman and consequently designed his bread in the shape of a horse's stirrup.

The best way to reach the St. Viateur Bagel bakery or the Fairmount Bagel bakery if you are driving from downtown Montréal is to take Av Parc going North until you reach Fairmount and then make a right turn until you arrive at your destination.

St. Viateur is a few blocks after Fairmount and again you would turn right and you will find the bakery on your left-hand side. If you travel via the bus take the 80 bus going north and either get off at Fairmount or St. Viateur.

From my own experience the best time to visit either of these bakeries is on a Sunday morning or late at night. It certainly is worth the trip.

You may also want to walk along Av Parc once you have purchased your bagels but don't eat them all before going home and passing them out to friends and relatives.

These precious bagels make a perfect gift. Recently St-Viateur Bagel opened ther branches located at 158 St Viateur and 340 Marcel Laurin where you can either take out their delicious bagels or eat them in the little café. Apparently the most popular items are the bagel sandwiches with soup or salad.

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