Bagels & Bites offers lunchers first-rate fare

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Its been a full day since my lunch at Vincents Bagels & Bites, but the drool still flows freely when I think about the cream-cheese-and-strawberry-jam bear claw I had for dessert there.

I dont think exquisite is too lofty a word for that flaky pastry treat. Ill probably have to do a double set of Pilates to get rid of it, but such is the life of a restaurant reviewer.

The bear claw was the perfect end to a great lunch at Bagels & Bites. Four co-workers and I showed up around noon and ordered a variety of sandwiches: the Hartland, a tuna melt, the original, the Californian, and chicken salad. Each came in a little white contraption that looked like a boat, with a delicious pickle spear on the side.

There are a variety of specialty sandwiches available at Bagels & Bites, along with the classics: tuna salad, roast beef, ham, salami and more. Fresh toppings such as banana peppers, black olives and green peppers are also available, as are a range of dressings. Sandwiches can be ordered on a croissant, bagel or freshly baked bread.

I chose a plain bagel for my sandwich, the Hartland (named for the geographic area where the restaurant is), which had turkey, tomato, lettuce, cucumber and ranch dressing. It was supposed to have Swiss cheese on it, too, but I didnt sweat the missing ingredient fewer cheese calories means more dessert calories. The sandwich was a little sloppy with all the ranch dressing on it, and I promptly dropped a glob of ranchy shredded lettuce down the front of my shirt.

Overall, the five of us were quite satisfied with our lunch. The croissants were fluffy, reported one co-worker, and the sandwich bread was nicely toasted, said another, who also reported the pasta salad was excellent.

The small deli-style restaurant is bright and airy, with a black-red-white-and-gray color scheme. The tables were clean, the napkin dispenser was stocked, and there was plenty of plastic silverware for those who dont like to eat with their fingers. The employees were cheerful and efficient. One co-worker noticed the mens room was dirty, but an employee armed with cleaning solution took care of that while we sat there.

The only real complaint was the size of the napkins: when placed in the lap, they were barely big enough to cover one leg. I used at least five of them during the course of our meal.

In addition to sandwiches, Bagels & Bites offers many different flavors of bagels, including apple walnut, spinach, orange cranberry and tomato herb. Cookies, muffins and pastries are also available. Theres a wide variety of drink choices fountain drinks, bottled water, juice and soda, and coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Near the counter hangs a cartoon chef holding a sign: Great food served here. Hes not lying.

Our anonymous restaurant reviewer cant wear a white shirt without spilling something on it. Send comments to Managing Editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235. New restaurants will be given at least an eight-week grace period.

 Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700