In search of a bagel

The first call went something like this: “Good Morning, we would like to order bagels, lox and spreads for a dozen people, two dozen bagels, a salad platter, etc”. The order confirmed, we sat easy waiting for the time to pick it up. A couple hours later, we wanted to check on a detail of the veggie platter, wouldn’t it be a good idea to get some salad dips and maybe some chopped egg? Our second call resulted in another “sure, no problem” and everything was right as rain. On the way to the Moshav, we called a third time to make sure the store was kosher, something it may have been smart to check the first time, but in Israel its easy to assume based on the location it probably is. Assured everything was kosher, we hung up feeling satisfied (and hungry); our bagel plans were on track. Sitting in traffic for an hour from Tel Aviv, we began to worry the store might be closed by the time we got there, our fourth call confirmed our order, established the bagel place was open 24 hours a day, and we had nothing to worry about. After a quick stop on the Moshav to pick up my Dad, we headed to Modi’in and the bagel place.

I had a bad feeling when the bagel place (which is what it said on the sign) didn’t have a single bagel on display. Additionally, all the salads seemed to have been the type which come straight from a can and are used in “toast” or grilled cheese. Not deterred, we waltzed up to the counter and asked for our order. The girl behind the counter seemed puzzled and put us on the phone with the owner. “So” he asked, “when would like your order for? Bagels? We don’t really have them, but we can order then from Jerusalem for you.” The girl who took the order seemed in shock. Everything worked out in the end, we went to the supermarket and bought packages of lox, different cheeses and salad and together with the baked ziti Shira had made, it all came together. I guess four phone calls, orders and confirmations are not enough to establish the bagel place is actually a grilled cheese on bread place, and does not really deal in bagels. Oh well, we know for next time.