Boiling mad over round bread

The bagel. A humble ring of dough, boiled and baked, the cornerstone of countless breakfast sandwiches and the perfect vehicle for a schmear of cream cheese. Yet, as one local entrepreneur recently discovered, this seemingly simple food sparks tremendous strife, much of it focused on authenticity. 

As reported by The Food Section, artisanal bagel makers are popping up across the region, challenging the long-held dominance of New York City as the bagel mecca. Bagel lovers living in the South have plenty of local options beyond the big chains, but the sheer intensity of bagel debate often leaves the bakers a bit bewildered.