‘Watts for Dinner’: A fresh bagel and a smile

A fresh bagel. If you live in New York, it’s not hard to find. And fortunately for us, if you live on Marco, there’s no problem either; thanks to Empire Bagel Factory.

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Whether its lox or a good smear, Empire has exactly what you’re looking for. On this trip, I wanted a hearty breakfast bagel and something sweet.

First up, bacon egg and cheese on a poppy seed bagel. A complete breakfast in one sandwich. The bacon was cooked to perfection – not too hard, not too fatty. The egg was unique, more traditionally fried than scramble-fried; and not oily. All this yumminess is topped with a slice of white American cheese.

The poppy seed bagel was the magic ingredient: soft, fresh and tasty. I highly recommend it.

My partner in dine picked sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel. Same consistency as mine; the meat was fully cooked; but seemed more broiled than grilled. Just an observation.

The meats and cheeses are from Boar’s Head. So, you know they’re top notch.

We also enjoyed a cinnamon sugar bagel and an everything flagel – a flattened bagel – with cream cheese. Amazing.

Empire has assorted coffees, muffins and donuts; and offers a variety of lunch meats to stack on your midday bagel. Not to mention a very friendly staff.

If you’re looking for fresh, you won’t regret Empire Bagel Factory.

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If you go

Empire Bagel Factory

• 277 N. Collier Boulevard, Suite 1, Marco Island
• 239-642-4141
• Empirebagelfactorymarco.com