It used to be that the only place worth getting bagels was in Brooklyn. There are now several good bagel bakeries in Maine now, my favorite being Mr. Bagel, and I have to admit to being partial to sesame or poppy bagels, with lox spread.

I get them split and toasted unless they are fresh out of the oven. At home I mist them with water, and set the oven for 350 and take them out when the oven cycles off.

Charley Noble, who likes a slight crust