Store: A gritty interior, missing products in spots and in need of a paint refresher. TV news playing facing the staff. Moderate drink and pastry selection. The pastries have the look of personalization. Spreads and lox aren't presented perfectly but everything is accounted for. Staff knows what they're doing. Hard to put my finger on why, but the lack of polish endears in this instance. 4

Bagel: Extra Large. Standard toppings on both sides plus oat, no salt present in crystal form or in flavor profile. Good density on the toppings present. The concept that came to mind was the bagel felt too 'structured'. There's an overfirm, almost mechanical quality, as though I could rely on it to get me home if I had a flat. Almost like a bagel token. 3.25

Cream Cheese: Similar to the bagel experience, almost tokenized. Though I do not suspect Philadelphia cream cheese, there was a patty quality to the spread, as though it all came in one square serving. 3