The Famous ‘Montreal Bagel’ Made The Short List

CBC.ca are hosting a contest to discover the “Seven Wonders of Canada”. Each selection was suggested by a Canadian and voted for by Canadians. Finalists will be announced on the ‘Sounds like Canada’ program airing on the 7th June. A total of 25,000 nominations received over one million votes – public voting is now closed, but three judges will take it from here.

Small or large historical stopping spots, unique attractions and one-of-a-kind creations made the short list of 52 competitors. The main criteria - each nominee must be totally Canadian and have the ability to inspire. Candidates were selected in various categories from diverse Canadian locations.

Knowing the criteria, it was easy to see why the owners of the famous Viateur Bakery in Montreal were surprised to be included on the short list. However their loyal customers feel Montreal Bagels are so fresh, soft and chewy – unlike any such delicacies available anywhere – it was obvious to them that Viateur Bakery was a one-of-a-kind unique Canadian local business.

These bagels are made with special ingredients and boiled in a large pot before they are baked in a wood-fired Kiln. During each twenty-four hour period, long planks loaded with lines of unbaked doughy bagels dipped in sesame or poppy seeds continuously move in and out of the oven. Add cream cheese to these warm delicacies and it helps to understand why they made the short list.