BagelFest West Exhibitor Spotlight: Inglourious Bagels
Inglourious Bagels in Carlsbad is putting its own spin on the iconic New York bagel. The debate over whether it’s truly the water that makes New York bagels great takes center stage here. While some dismiss the water theory, Inglourious Bagels takes it seriously—so much so that Brooklyn water was shipped in, analyzed for its unique mineral content, then recreated locally with the help of a brewer using calcium chloride, pickling salt, canning salt, and Epsom salt. The verdict after tasting a bagel crafted with this precise Brooklyn water formula: “This is it”.
Despite inspiration from New York, Inglourious Bagels asserts its distinctiveness. Claims such as “New York with a California twist” are challenged, with the argument that these are “authentic New York style bagels”—crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Yet, small touches like fresh sprouts nod to California sensibilities, serving as the subtle “twist” locals can claim as their own.
Flavors including “Angry Everything” and “Hellfire” add a fiery personality, with heat that builds slowly rather than overwhelm. Paired with a standout sandwich and exceptional latke, Inglourious Bagels scores a nine out of ten, earning high praise for its blend of high-octane New York authenticity and laid-back California flair.