Bagel makers of the West vie for votes
It was a yeasty day when fifteen different bagel makers from west of the Rockies described their baking process and different schmears all in one big room at BagelFest West April 12. Samples of their products were abundant. Vendors with adjacent products, such as smoked salmon, joined in the festival with giveaways, too.
JOINING IN THE BAGEL FUN are (from left) Senior Lead Officers Matt Oropeza and Alex Cho and Capt. Rachel Rodriguez.
RISE BAGELS, FROM IRVINE, explain their globally influenced bagel sandwiches.
About 1,000 people attended the event at Audrey Irmas Pavilion on Wilshire Boulevard. Attendees were each given a cardboard tray to carry samples and a “passport” to record thoughts about each creation. Each had the chance to vote for Best Bagel, Most Creative Topping, Best Sandwich, and Schmear of the Year, among others.
The night before this inaugural event, chef Eric Greenspan’s newest restaurant concept, Mish, a deli with a modern twist set to open on La Brea Avenue this month, catered a meet and greet for bagel makers, vendors, and press.
Best Bagel at this event went to Hey Bagel, from Seattle, Washington. For the list of other winners, visit their Instagram @bagelfest.
BAGEL BROKER OWNER Benjamin Levy (right), who donated fruit and muffins for the VIP lounge, stands with Wilton Drive resident Laura Dine Million.
Category: Entertainment
