The Bagel Blog

Montreal style bagels are considered by many to be the best bagels in the world – superior to the New York style bagel that is more widely known across North America. What makes these bagels different? What’s the story behind the delicious recipe? Why do they taste and look different than regular bagels?

The recipe was brought to Montreal via Polish and eastern european Jewish immigrants around 1880. Isadore Schlafman and Chaim Seligman are widely credited with officially introducing the recipe to Montreal. Schlafman was selling bagels in a makeshift bakery in an alley off of St. Laurent, and Seligman was selling his wares by the dozen off of a horse drawn carriage. For a while, Jack Schlafman (Isadore’s son) and Seligman were in business together, but they eventually ended up having a falling out. Schlafman opened Fairmount Bagel in 1949 in Montreal’s Mile End community, and the legend states that while he was building the shop, he conveniently found an old brick wood burning oven that was perfectly suited to the business. Read more

“Thanks for the delicious sandwich and veggie platters! My husband’s birthday party went over great and our out of town guests who originally lived in Ottawa were pleasantly surprised when they found out we had ordered food from Kettleman’s. You have a happy customer!” – Lisa Vachon, Ottawa

We’re known for our bagels – voted the best in Ottawa for 8 years running now by the Ottawa Xpress. Since 1993. We’ve essentially been constantly open 24 hours a day making them – in the authentic Montreal style. What you might not know, is that our catering service is ideal for delivering not only our famous bagels to your event or office, but also the delectable array of sandwiches and platters that we’re also known for and that we’ve been making for years.  Our breakfast and lunch catering is ideal for offices, luncheons and lunch meetings, birthday parties, family events, and even schools. This is known as “casual catering”. If you’re looking for a hip of beef and carving chef or a hot buffet  – we’re not your best pick. Read more