There may be an argument over who makes the best bagels in Montreal, but one of the giants in that city, St-Viateur Bagel, is likely everyone's favourite in Edmonton. That's because for the second time, St-Viateur Bagels will be headed to the city by the thousands for what is said to be the province's biggest bagel fundraiser, ever!
Why these bagels, you ask? St-Viateur bagels are hand-rolled, wood-fired and made with all-natural ingredients. If you've been to Montreal, you know bagels are a staple of the food scene there, and these babies have even been featured in The New York Times and Bon Appetit.
"These bagels are boiled in a honey/water bath and then wood-fired. That makes all the difference," said Tammy Vineberg, chair of the Bagels for Breakfast fundraiser, a.k.a. the Montreal bagel fairy (on Facebook and Instagram). "Our partnership with St-Viateur Bagel is an exciting way for us to bring a taste of Montreal to Edmonton while supporting our mission to empower Jewish teens."
The fundraiser supports B'nai Brith Youth Organization- Northwest (BBYO NWC), with all proceeds going to support BBYO programs and initiatives in Edmonton including leadership training, community service projects and social events for Jewish teens in grades 8-12.
This year's goal is to meet or beat the previous year's total of 1,440 dozen bagels, which garnered $14,000 in 2021. That's 17,280 fresh-made Montreal bagels (either sesame or poppyseed) that will be made and shipped the same day for pick-up in Edmonton. "They're fresh as can be. You'll have the bagels within 24 hours, at a drive-through pick up on June 14," Vineberg said. This year, pickup will be at the Edmonton Valley Zoo parking lot.
"I had seen someone online have St-Viateur bagels shipped here, so I did a mini-order too, and found a lot of people wanted it. We sold 5,000 bagels in 2020, our first year, and now we want to beat last year's record. Not only do our supporters get to enjoy some of the best bagels in the country, they'll also be supporting BBYO's efforts to empower Jewish teens in Edmonton to become leaders, and make a positive impact on their communities."
Bagels are available for purchase online only, with options for poppy seed and sesame seed, as well as for lox from Sgambaro's, and Edmonton-based seafood business. Orders are open now and close May 22, or until they sell out. Cargo-Jet is sponsoring the overnight shipping of fresh bagels.
To order, visit bbyo-bagels.myshopify.com. A dozen bagels is $21.95, with shipping included.
