[Bagelwars] I very much prefer Montreal bagels. The New York ones are okay too, but they seem no different from a doughnut-shaped bread. It's also shown by the fact that they are all about the topping. The more creamy, flavourful deliciousness you pile on them, the better.
In contrast, the Montreal bagels are best enjoyed with a subtle topping. A touch of butter and cheddar cheese, or peanut butter and bananas. Actually, I lived not far from Saint-Viateur street, and many times -- cycling home from a bar or a party -- I stopped there to get a bag of bagels. I ate them plain and fresh as they come out of the oven, and they were excellent.
That brings me to my point. Now that I am visiting Montreal again, I had the chance to do some comparisons. Most Montreal-style bagels are very good. But Saint-Viateur bagels are head and shoulders above the rest with their crunch, pure taste and decades of honing the perfect process and recipe.
If you're ever in Montreal, get a bag of St-Viateur sesame bagels, cut them in half, toast them until they're light brown, then apply topping. Welcome to bagel heaven!