On a wet snowy Sunday afternoon, we bravely made the trek out to the famous St. Viateur Bagels. Since Fairmount was close, we decided to pick up some from there as well to compare to each other as well as to NY-style bagels. All in the name of research, people!
St. Viateur vs. Fairmount
Bagels from both locations were fresh from the oven and still warm when they were handed to us. I can't say that I preferred one over the other. Eventually, bagels from both locations were mixed up, and we couldn't pick out which ones came from where. They were also both great with cream cheese & smoked salmon.
Montreal vs. NY:
Both are respectable in their own way. NY counterparts are fluffier & thicker and can be taken more seriously as a meal. Montreal bagels are thinner with more crust to crumb ratio, best eaten as a snack, and I love snacks.
Overall, I enjoy all bagels, and refuse to play this silly game of favorites.