After calling Australia home for over two decades, Mike turned homesickness for the iconic New York bagel into Real Bagels, a small-batch project built on traditional methods of hand-rolling, boiling and baking the proper way. The motto: spread some love.
First learning to cook on the grill-line, Mike dived into the world of bagels 12 years ago, using the mindset of a brewer. Early batches were dense, so he experimented with fermentation,proofing and temperature. The result? A glossy crust with a gentle crumb, colour from Coopers malt, and a rich flavour built on the back of an overnight cold ferment. Each bagel is hand-shaped rather than machine-rolled, meaning no two are alike, a nod to the artisans of New York, who once had their own union, Local 338.
Real Bagels are really about the bagels. Six staples anchor the lineup: Plain, Poppy Seed, Garlic, Mixed Seed, Onion and Everything. Kids start with Plain, adults lean toward Everything, and the happy medium is opting for a Poppy or Mixed Seed. Rotating specials swing everywhere from jalapeño to cinnamon sultana.
Iconic spreads and garnishes share the spotlight. Mike whips cream cheese for lightness, then adds Spring Onion, smoked salmon and maple bacon, plus playful one-offs like cookies and cream (cheese) for those who are chasing something a little sweeter.. The idea is to rip, dip and keep the bagel front and centre.
Real Bagels is certified with the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association, using organic Australian flours, with stone-ground and rye used in the mix for limited runs.
Hidden in the name is a promise. Real Bagels makes a nod to the tradition in New York where weekends are spent bagels in hand, garnished with red onion, capers and good conversation. Mike wants to kindle that kind of spirit here – unpretentious, humble, and shared together.
You can catch Real Bagels at Factory Cafe in Mornington on Saturday 25th October, 8am tonoon, or until sold out. Pre-orders will run on the website from the Sunday before to guarantee your stash.
What’s next? Real Bagels plan to open a shopfront in Mornington, keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, spread some love and sort your bagel fix here.