Bagel with Shmear and Enlightenment

Who doesn’t enjoy a big, fat bagel? Bayside residents  have a lot of bagel stores they can choose from to satisfy a yen for carbs, but not many that also satisfy spiritual yearnings.

Bagels and Co., a new addition to the upper level of , is promising a little more to go with your lox and cream cheese.

Every Thursday afternoon, this strictly kosher, closed on Saturdays bagel store provides patrons with a lunchtime Torah study, at 1 p.m., courtesy of Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky from the , located right across the street.

Holding Torah study in the store was Rabbi Yossi’s idea. “We love this store,” he said. “We really want it to be successful.” The lunchtime discussion lasts about 15 minutes and gets an eager crowd of patrons.

This week’s topic involved the proper shape of the Chanukah Menorah. “You can have a delicious bagel and learn a little,” the Rabbi said. When asked about the bagels themselves, he added “Aren’t they phenomenal?”

Bagels and Co. opened in the shopping center, their second location, three weeks ago. They are also located at 188-02 Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows. According to manager Rachel, they chose to open in Bay Terrace because of its vibrant Jewish community. “There are a lot of Jewish people here, and the Chabad is right here,” she said.

The bagels are made at their Union Tpke. location and then brought to Bay Terrace. There are spreads galore, from old favorites like butter or cream cheese to scallion, vegetable or lox cream cheese. Standards like egg and tuna salad are available, as is hummus spread and baba ghanoush.

Customers also have the option of purchasing a freshly made and chopped salad with ingredients of their choosing. All of the food served is certified kosher by Vaad Harabonim of Queens.