There were so many options: bagels, both sweet and savory, meaty breakfast sandwiches, soft pretzels and more. Amy quickly settled on the pretzel, but then our funding issues (they only take cash) caused even further consternation on the part of the owner. The poor man – on top of our indecision, I paid entirely in change (and had to borrow 50c from Jackie).
Two dollars and thirty some cents will buy true delight here. After several minutes, Jackie decided on a plain bagel with strawberry cream cheese. The bagels were soft and warm and generously smeared with the rich Philadelphian soft spread. The strawberry’s natural sweetness contrasted beautifully with the tang of the cream cheese and pieces of fruit added even more flavor. My ‘everything’ bagel was by far the best I had ever had. Scallion cream cheese was generously applied and simply delicious.I have lived within 10 min. of the Bagel Queen for as long as it has existed. It is easy to miss, snuggled between a couple of dollar generals in the Sweetbay strip store on Little Rd. The inside is simple and unadorned, with a few old tables and chairs where you can enjoy your treat. Coffee is self-serve and refillable on demand. I am very sorry that I did not discover this place sooner. In fact it was Jackie B. of Tampa who stumbled across this establishment via the great ‘Interweb’. She read reviews that named these bagels some of the best anywhere, and the reviews I have found call the Queen, ‘an addictive little hole in the wall.’ Jackie had made it her personal quest to get me to take her there. All three of us were glad she did.
The owner (the Bagel King?) told a woman that he is in the shop baking every morning at 4 a.m. That kind of devotion to carbohydrates makes me want to stand up and salute!
Five forks!
Pasco County
9037 Little Rd
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 863-2822
:-)
1 comment:
As I was the only one to partake of caffeinated beverages I will weigh in on this point. While the price is right and the refills come as often as you can pour them, do not come expecting a gourmet cup of coffee. While it was quite good for a basic cup of joe it is not the reason you go to the Bagel Queen.
Also, believe what you hear about the scallion cream cheese. I have always been partial to the sweeter choices in life, but this time the savory option takes the cake (or bagel as the case may be)!
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