Andrew Martinez wasn't born into a New York bagel empire and didn't start baking the Big Apple's signature ring of doughy goodness until he was 40 years old.
Still, the Queens-born Martinez, his wife, Ashley Dikos, and their growing business, Bo's Bagels, are regularly cited among the best makers of the ring-shaped bread products that are a breakfast and lunch staple.
For Martinez, his rise to the bagel elite is a happy accident.
"Sometimes I walk in here and say, 'I can't believe this is my life,'" Martinez told AFP. "This is New York. It's incredibly hard to succeed here."
Martinez's unexpected journey to the big leagues began in 2014, when the longtime restaurant industry professional found himself confined to the hospital for two months, fed by a feeding tube.
Martinez decided that the first thing he would do when he was healthy again would be to eat a classic New York bagel with a crunchy exterior and a dense, chewy interior.
But after returning to his home in Harlem, he realized there were no decent bagel shops within walking distance.
Angry that he had to take the subway to get his fix, Martinez began researching the bread. He learned that bagels originally arrived in New York's Jewish neighborhoods on the Lower East Side thanks to Polish immigrants.
Reading what he could find about the cooking and baking process and picking the brains of experts, Martinez experimented for about six months before producing something that resembled the bagels of his youth.
"People eat their memories," he said. “I dreamed of the bagels I used to eat when I was a kid in Queens, and this is the taste I was looking for.
Think bigger
But his culinary quest began to expand when Martinez served bagels to family members who challenged him and Dikos to think bigger.
The small eatery first turned into a farmer's market stall; then in 2017, the couple opened Bo's Bagels—a 1,200-square-foot (110-square-meter) retail space on the corner of 116th Street in West Harlem near several African restaurants.
Consumers were at the door from the start, but the couple admits the journey has included some comical missteps.
Before the first weekend at the farmers markets, Martinez and Dikos converted their kitchen into a production factory and put hundreds of unbaked bagels in the fridge the night before.
But after two hours of sleep, they woke up to find that a growing ball of yeast had opened the fridge door.
"It was just one huge blob of dough," Dikos recalled.
Forced to delay their market debut, the couple instead worked late into the night to cut the ruined dough into pieces small enough to fit in the trash can without arousing the suspicions of the apartment staff.
A labor of love
Making great bagels starts about 48 hours before baking, when the flour, yeast and water are combined and left overnight.
Other key steps include chilling overnight to slow the fermentation process and a 10 to 12 minute boil.
Not all New York bagel makers go through this painstaking process — and it shows, industry experts say.
"There are a lot of mediocre bagels out there," said Sam Silverman, chief executive of trade group BagelUp.
Still, Silverman sees it as a golden era for bagels, with older names like Ess-a-Bagel and Utopia Bagels battling newcomers like Bo's to fill a surprising number of "bagel deserts" in the five boroughs.
No green bagels
Bo's, which has received raves from the websites Food & Wine and Eater, credits its success to meticulous adherence to time-tested processes, an avoidance of cheap ingredients and a throwback approach to a crunchier, smaller baguette.
The Harlem store produces about 3,000 bagels a day, an output that will at least double when Bo's opens a second store later this year in Washington Heights, another neighborhood with several bagels.
The couple eventually plans to open stores outside of New York.
While Martinez was the driving force behind the original recipe, Michigan-born Dikos took the lead on some options, including the cinnamon raisin variety.
Delighting traditionalists is the focus, but the couple has also embraced some newer flavors, such as blueberry and three-cheese bagels, which were first popular outside of New York.
"These days, you have to provide a lot of variety for all different kinds of people," Dikos said.
The couple isn't opposed to gluten-free bagels, though they have yet to develop a recipe that would accommodate it, she said.
Enter the world of an extraordinary Harlem bagel shop that rewrites the rules of the game. Discover the remarkable story of how this unlikely device not only makes dough, but also makes waves with unique handmade bagels. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of this small but ambitious bagel shop, where passion and innovation blend to create a bagel experience like no other.
Creating exceptional bagels by twisting:
Learn how this unique Harlem bagel shop has mastered the art of making bagels that are more than just a breakfast staple. Thanks to the perfect combination of traditional techniques and innovative flavors, they have taken the classic bagel to new heights. From savory to sweet, see how their bold combinations delight the taste buds and challenge conventional baguettes.
Defying Expectation: A Harlem Gem:
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Dream big and beyond:
Explore how this unlikely bagel shop thinks beyond its small space. Their aspirations extend far beyond their cozy storefront as they strive to expand their reach and establish themselves in the culinary world. From catering events to collaborations with local artisans, witness their ambition to leave a lasting impact on the food industry.
Passion Personified:
Meet the dedicated individuals behind the scenes who pour their heart and soul into every baguette they make. Learn about their unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity and customer satisfaction. This bagel shop is more than just a place to eat; it is a manifestation of passion turned into reality.
Join the bagel revolution:
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As we conclude our journey into the world of this unlikely Harlem bagel shop, one thing is clear: they don't just make dough, they make a difference. Through their dedication, innovation and passion, they have elevated the humble bagel into a work of art. Join them in their quest to think big, dream big and redefine what it means to enjoy a truly exceptional bagel.
A compelling story of ambition and innovation unfolds in the bustling streets of Harlem. This unlikely bagel shop is redefining the culinary landscape, bringing a fresh twist to a classic favorite. Join us as we delve into the intriguing journey of a Harlem bagel shop heading for the stars.
Creating exceptional bagel creations:
Enter the doors of this Harlem gem and prepare to be blown away by the medley of flavors. From classic favorites like sesame and poppy seed to bold combinations like caramelized onion and sriracha, their bagels are a testament to culinary artistry. Each doughy masterpiece is handcrafted with passion and precision, satisfying both traditional tastes and adventurous palates.
Embracing the Unconventional:
What sets this bagel shop apart is its willingness to embrace the unconventional. They break away from the ordinary and fearlessly experiment, resulting in unique bagel varieties that tell stories of creativity and discovery. This commitment to pushing the boundaries has earned them a devoted following and rave reviews from locals and visitors alike.
Path of Resilience:
Behind every success story is a journey of determination and resilience. The unlikely Harlem bagel shop faced a fair number of challenges, from sourcing quality ingredients to gaining recognition in a competitive culinary scene. However, their indomitable spirit and dedication propelled them forward, turning obstacles into stepping stones.
Community and Connections:
More than just a place to enjoy delicious bagels, this shop has become a hub for community connection. It draws people from different backgrounds and it has turned into a melting pot of conversation and camaraderie. Through workshops, events and a warm atmosphere, the bagel shop has woven itself into the fabric of Harlem's social tapestry.
Think big, reach far:
Although located in the heart of Harlem, this bagel shop dreams big. With an eye towards expansion and a determination to stay true to their roots, they are on a mission to bring their exceptional creations to a wider audience. As they strive to redefine the bagel experience, their story serves as inspiration for budding entrepreneurs around the world.
In a dynamic Harlem neighborhood, a small bagel shop defies expectations and thinks beyond the horizon. Their journey of creativity, community and resilience paints a portrait of determination in the face of challenges. As this unlikely bagel business continues to rise, its story is a testament to the power of culinary passion and the pursuit of big dreams.
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