Us Mexpats seem to be preoccupied with cravings for favorite foods that are unavailable here. I am not immune. But sometimes, when an item is made available, they still seem unsatisfied because it doesn't meet certain standards of authenticity.
A recent example was a discussion on the Expat Mexico Forum* of where to buy bagels in Querétaro. Suggestions were quickly offered to the bagel hungry expat that, among other places, one could get them at Costco. We know those bagels. They are pretty good, in spite of being neither hand made nor boiled. Wake up! We're not in Brooklyn. These bagels, made by Einstein Bros. under Costco's Kirkland label toast nicely and taste good. We've seen them available at the Morelia Costco in Plain, Sesame and Asiago flavors. Am I going to whine that they don't have Poppy? Nor do they offer Everything topping? I'm happier yet they there are no Chocolate Chip or Blueberry bagels here. Those are abominations.
NO! I'm happy with these facsimile bagels. They are a lot better than the Mexico City baked bagels I used to buy from the freezer case at Mega Comercial. Those were borderline acceptable. I ate them grudgingly. Einstein-Kirkland's are much better. If I want authentic, water boiled and even handmade bagels, I get all I want when we visit family in New Jersey. And while I'm in New Jersey, I refrain from dining in Mexican restaurants, because I don't want to be disappointed by a lack of authentic technique and ingredients.
*The Expat Forum Mexico is unique, in that it doesn't allow the use of Spanish in Forum posts. Or any other language other than English. I was shocked when an innocuous post of mine was deleted, according to Rule # 6. Posts shall be in English. But going 'way off topic—as I have done here— is no problem. You just gotta love 'em.
Now, for an authentic bagel experience, I offer you the Hot Bagels in Brooklyn video. Eat and be happy you got a bagel at all.
