Bagels are a quintessential New York City food, and finding the best bagels in the city is a quest that many food enthusiasts embark on. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for that perfect bagel experience. Luckily, New Yorker and food content creator Jeremy Jacobowitz has done the legwork for us and identified the top bagel spots in NYC.
One of Jacobowitz’s top picks is Utopia Bagels, a bagel shop that has been open since 1981. Located in Whitestone, Queens, Utopia Bagels is committed to tradition, with hand-rolled and kettle-boiled bagels baked in a 1947 carousel oven. The result is a bagel with a crisp crust, slightly dense interior, and the perfect chew that every bagel lover craves. For a classic New York-style bagel experience, Jacobowitz recommends trying a bagel with smoked salmon at Utopia Bagels.
Another favorite of Jacobowitz’s is Pick-A-Bagel, a Manhattan bagel shop known for its fresh, soft, and chewy bagels with the perfect amount of seasoning. Whether you opt for an everything bagel or another variety, you can expect a flavorful and well-seasoned bagel that hits all the right notes. Pick-A-Bagel has multiple locations in Manhattan and has been serving up delicious bagels for over two decades.
For those craving a top-notch bagel experience in Brooklyn, Jacobowitz recommends Baker’s Dozen in Greenpoint. Hand-rolled and fresh bagels are the specialty here, with customers raving about the delicious and chewy texture of the bagels. The shop also offers an excellent selection of cream cheese to complement your bagel.
Tompkins Square Bagels is another must-visit spot on Jacobowitz’s list, with four locations in Manhattan. Known for its old-fashioned methods of making bagels, including hand-rolling, kettle-boiling, and baking on wooden boards covered in water-soaked burlap, Tompkins Square Bagels delivers bagels with a nice spring in their crumb. The shop is a favorite among locals and even counts actor Timothée Chalamet as a fan.
Rounding out Jacobowitz’s top bagel spots is Bagel Point, the oldest bagel joint on his essential list. Family-owned and operated since 1977, Bagel Point prides itself on serving bagels with the perfect blend of a crisp exterior and soft, warm interior. In addition to their delicious bagels, Bagel Point makes over 20 varieties of cream cheese from scratch, making it a go-to spot for bagel and schmear enthusiasts.
With Jacobowitz’s expert recommendations, bagel lovers can rest assured that they’ll find the best of the best in NYC’s bustling bagel scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic New York-style bagel with smoked salmon or a flavorful everything bagel with homemade cream cheese, these top bagel spots have you covered. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and has recently gained popularity as a tool for improving mental health. Research has shown that meditation can have a range of benefits for mental health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which meditation can help improve mental well-being.
One of the key benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. When we meditate, we focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future. This can help to calm the mind and reduce the body’s stress response. Studies have shown that regular meditation practice can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a greater sense of relaxation and well-being.
Another benefit of meditation is its ability to reduce anxiety. Anxiety is a common mental health issue that can have a significant impact on daily life. Meditation has been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety by promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. By practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present moment, individuals can learn to manage anxious thoughts and feelings more effectively.
Meditation can also be beneficial for those struggling with depression. Research has shown that meditation can help to increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is often low in individuals with depression. By promoting feelings of well-being and happiness, meditation can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms of depression and improving overall mental health.
In addition to reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, meditation can also improve focus and concentration. By training the mind to stay present and focused, individuals can enhance their ability to concentrate on tasks and improve cognitive function. This can be particularly helpful for those with attention deficit disorders or other cognitive challenges.
Overall, the benefits of meditation for mental health are numerous and well-supported by research. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you can experience greater levels of relaxation, reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced focus and concentration. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, there are many resources available to help you get started and make the most of this powerful tool for mental well-being.
