Ep 14: Bagels- They are not rolls with holes

### Podcast Notes: Let's Eat Orlando with Amy Drew and Biggie

**Summary:**

In this week’s episode, Amy Drew and Biggie delve into the world of bagels, sharing how they enjoy them, where they get the best ones in Orlando, and what makes a perfect bagel. From the importance of boiling to the ideal chewiness, they break down everything that goes into creating and enjoying a truly great bagel. They also explore the differences between local bagel spots and share some personal stories, including a special treat Amy Drew brought for Biggie.

**Key Discussion Points:**

1. **Bagel Preferences and Expectations:**

- How Amy Drew and Biggie eat their bagels and what they expect visually from a perfect bagel.

- Importance of a shiny exterior and a rounded shape—evidence of a properly boiled bagel.

2. **The Boiling Process:**

- Why bagels must be boiled as part of the process.

- The distinction between bagels and rolls with holes if they aren't boiled.

3. **Storing and Packing Bagels:**

- Proper storage and packing methods—bagels should be stored in paper, not plastic.

4. **The Chew Factor:**

- The ideal chew of a bagel, where the texture should be dense enough to make your jaw hurt slightly, and the dough should be malleable enough to form a ball.

5. **Key Ingredients and Techniques:**

- Bagels need to have malt in the dough and undergo overnight proofing.

- Discussion of Montreal bagels, which use maple syrup as part of the process.

6. **Favorite Bagel Spots:**

- **Jeff’s Bagel Run:** A dedicated bagel shop serving bagels, cream cheese, and coffee.

- **NY Bakery Boys:** A bagel restaurant with two locations where you can get your bagels toasted and enjoy a full meal.

- **Bagel King:** Known for good bagels and as a great breakfast and lunch spot. Biggie shares his love for the pastrami on their Andy’s breakfast sandwich.

7. **The Role of Water in Bagel Making:**

- The importance of water in the dough-making process, focusing on its necessity rather than the source.

8. **Advocating for Your Food:**

- The importance of asking how your food is made and advocating for quality.

9. **Special Treat: Pickled Herring:**

- Amy Drew treats Biggie to a dish her dad used to make: pickled herring with fresh-cut raw onion, sour cream, and a bit of the pickling wine sauce.

10. **Shoutout to Soozie the Foodie:**

- Acknowledgment of Soozie the Foodie and her contributions.

**Final Note:**

- Amy Drew and Biggie enjoyed many bagels during this episode, but unfortunately, there’s no video footage of them eating them!

Tune in to this episode for a detailed and passionate discussion on bagels, from preparation to enjoyment, with plenty of tips, insights, and local Orlando recommendations!