MELBOURNE | Schmucks Bagels Melbourne is the newest of Melbourne’s ever increasing number of CBD bagel shops. Why exactly the bagel has started to become so popular in Melbourne is a question I don’t know the answer to but I’m not complaining as I do love a good bagel. Schmucks is the baby of founder Jeremy Marmur’s, who has drawn upon his Polish Jewish heritage (and his grandfather’s sense of humour), to deliver Polish bagels with a twist.
What is this twist? Well along with traditional bagel flavours there are a range of interesting options, such as Vegemite, the Smokin’ Chick (sesame bagel; dehydrated chicken breast crackers, smoked chicken, tarragon mayonnaise, capers, julienne carrots and green leaves), the Miso Shcmick (sesame bagel; miso salmon with wasabi peas, Kewpie mayonnaise, pickled ginger, pea shoots and iceberg leaves) and the Schmoozer (seedy bagel; hickory smoked beef brisket, BBQ sauce, chimichurri, iceberg lettuce and tomato). The bagels are steamed instead of boiled, which gives them a light texture and the fillings are local and seasonal to the extent that it’s practicable – clearly you’re not getting local Kewpie.
At the launch party which The City Lane was invited to, guests were treated to a range of mini snacks in order to sample a range of the fillings on offer. The Luv U Lox is a rye bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, pickled onions and watercress. A classic combination that didn’t disappoint.
A mini sampling of the Miso Schmick which was tasty, but missing a certain something.
My favourite of the night was the mini Smokin’ Chick. The dehydrated chicken breast crackers made each bite something else. I would have been happy just eating this all night.
This thick-cut salted beef with house piccalilli, dijon mustard dressing & sauerkraut on a rye bagel did a great job of combining traditional and non-traditional elements.
Tumeric roast cauliflower with hummus, lemon-dressed watercress & tomato. A nice combo of flavours and very light.
The hickory smoked brisket that the star of the Schmoozer bagel was tender and full flavoured.
A range of breakfast options are also offered, along with desserts such as these eclair balls. I’m usually a sucker for anything chocolate but out of the 3 flavours below, it was actually the strawberry that was the winner.
Another day, and another bagel shop open in Melbourne’s CBD. I say bring on the competition and bring on the bagels.
Schmucks Bagels
Guests Lane (off Little Bourke Street)
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9607 8558
Email: n/a
Website: http://www.schmucksbagels.com.au/
Open
Mon – Fri: 7:30am to 3:30pm