Closure of Absolute Bagels

The Upper West Side of New York City has long been revered for its incredible bagel options, a claim backed by the sheer number of shops per capita. However, residents were taken aback when Absolute Bagels, a cherished staple in the community, suddenly closed its doors at 2788 Broadway, situated between West 107th and 108th streets. This notable bagel shop, which had been serving patrons since 1992, was founded by Sam Thongkrieng, a Thai immigrant who brought authentic expertise after his tenure at Ess-a-Bagel.

The Cause of Closure

Real estate broker, Evans, confirmed the closure to the local blog West Side Rag, noting, 'I rented to Sam 30 years ago, he’s gone now, and it’s my job to re-rent the store. We all agree another bagel store is the highest priority and best use of the space.' However, the closure appears to stem from more than just a decision to retire from bagel-making. Reports from Grub Street indicate that Absolute Bagels faced serious issues during a health inspection on December 11, where it was docked 67 points due to alarming findings, including 'evidence of rats or live rats' and 'live roaches.' This incident adds a troubling layer to the shop's abrupt end and raises concerns about food hygiene standards in beloved local eateries.

Emergence of New Culinary Ventures

While bagel lovers mourn the loss of Absolute Bagels, new culinary ventures are emerging in Brooklyn. In an exciting turn of events, Welcome Home Bakery is set to open its doors in Bed-Stuy this Saturday, December 14 at 8 a.m. Co-founders Isa Steyer and Billy Wright, who previously worked together at L’Appartement 4F, are ready to debut their bakery to the local community. Welcome Home Bakery will feature a focused menu that includes unique offerings such as the 'Billy baguette' with olives and herbes de Provence, sesame loaves, and a creative culinary mashup dubbed the 'pig in bed' — a wild combination of sausage roll, Pop Tart, and pig in a blanket. Additionally, fresh croissants and Stumptown coffee will be available. The bakery plans to expand its offerings to include enticing sandwiches in the near future, such as a ham-and-potato-chip creation and a chickpea salad sandwich on ciabatta, appealing to a variety of tastes.

Conclusion

In a city that never sleeps, the rise and fall of local favorites like Absolute Bagels are a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of New York's food scene. While some establishments close their doors, others rise to meet the cravings of hungry New Yorkers, ensuring that the culinary journey continues.