Declaration of authenticity

Much has been made about who makes the best bagels, and who makes them authentic and who doesn't. And I admit it, I don't know anything about bagels, so I probably shouldn't be the judge. But I think I've found an authentic bagelry.

I found myself down in California Avenue area of Palo Alto this morning and decided to stop off for a cup 'o joe. Wanting to avoid the Sunday morning crowds at Starbuck's, I ducked in to Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels.

Now mind you, I wasn't here for a bagel, just coffee. But the bagels were selling like... well... bagels, I guess. Business was good. And it wasn't the four Latinas behind the counter that signaled the sign of an authentic bagel, or the owner towering over his staff. It was the man with the yamaca ordering two dozen bagels.

They say "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." So when it comes to bagels, it's probably best to trust the Jews.

Canadian bacon? That's another story.