Bobino Bagel lights up Laurier in Gatineau

Bobino Bagel opened 10 days ago in a location that often spelled death for retailers. It’s situated opposite the Museum of History in Gatineau where I’ve seen a number of businesses come and go. 

Now with the assistance of the Gatineau Downtown Revitalization Fund, Gatineau’s first bagel shop has launched and from my subsequent visits, it’s shown that this is exactly what the locals were waiting for. 

In fact, it’s because there was this gap in the market that the owners came up with the plan for a shop and all early signs point to a great decision.

It is incredibly busy putting out delicious Montreal-style bagels and winning the hearts of hardened bagel critics. 

They’ve recruited veteran bagel maker Jimmy Lai from Kettleman’s in Ottawa, and legend has it that he has personally hand-rolled close to three million bagels. 

Bagel fans will appreciate walking in and smelling the wood-burning oven in which they're baked, reminding them of a trip to Fairmount or St. Viateur on Montreal's plateau.

Their cream cheese creations are a must before you leave the shop, although it proved difficult to get the name of the Quebec creamery behind this spread. Understandably some things best remain trade secrets.

Suffice it to say they’re all very good and I strongly recommend the “Cowboy” version. This is a thoroughly logical combination of roasted onions and jalapeno kicked up by the addition of a very good bacon. The jalapeno is just spicy enough to provide a mild tingle. How is it I’ve not had this before?

The bagels themselves are as good as any you’ll find and I do enjoy them a bit more than my usual choice. 

They also offer cinnamon raisin and blueberry versions. These are nice in flavour but due to the recipe, considerably more dense than the classics.

Bobino is also a café with very good coffee, filling bagel sandwiches and a selection of breads and pastries from one of my favourites: Maison Oddo.

From aesthetics to food to great, friendly service, Bobino has hit the ground running and is offering the quality that will make for good competition.