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COMPASS MAGAZINE March 2012
　

Bagels 'n Beans celebrates 5 years with its customers By Douglas Habecker Translated by Angel Pu 462, HeNan Rd, Sec 4, Nantun Dist. Although bagels are quite common in Taichung these days, it is unlikely that any other local business has done as much over the years to champion the doughnut-shaped bread roll as Bagels 'n Beans has. Celebrating its fifth birthday this month, the restaurant continues to offer its very popular handmade bagels, good coffee and various all-day breakfast selections, but has now extended its hours and added a few extra menu items. Testament to its enduring popularity and quality, Bagels 'n Beans serves a steady stream of local and foreign customers, who either linger in the comfortable two-level premises (with its free wireless Internet) or grab something quick for take-out. An attractive third-floor space serves as an overflow area, and can host 15-24-person special functions/meetings (NT$2,500 minimum charge per 3 hours). Long-time store manager Miss Ban notes that the first two breakfast menu options remain best-sellers. The No. 1 Bagel Breakfast Set (NT$170) includes the choice of a bagel, a topping and a drink (coffee, juice, black tea, milk), plus eggs, sausage, bacon and salad. The No. 2 Eggs Benedict Set (NT$230) comes with a bagel choice, either Smoked Salmon or Canadian Ham topping, drink choice, and salad. For the basic daily coffee, refills are NT$20 each. Besides other options (NT$170-210), like the French Toast Set, Waffle Breakfast Set, and Meat Lover's Omelet Set, there are even more basic bagel-topping-drink combinations. The foundation for all this are about eight homemade bagel varieties, with the Whole Wheat, Blueberry, and Whole Grain being the most popular. Alone, these are NT$50 each with spreads like Peanut Butter & Jelly, Nutella, Garlic Herb, Walnut Maple Syrup (most popular), and Blueberry costing NT$30 each. Some tasty all-new menu choices include the Chicken Pocket Bread Set (NT$250), a pita-like item filled with chicken, veggies, salsa, Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing, and including fries or salad and a drink choice. Another addition is the sandwich-style Pesto Smoked Chicken Set (NT$250). Also, while supplies last, customers get a free hot/cold Bagels 'n Beans water bottle for each NT$500 they spend, yet another reason to stop by and celebrate Bagels 'n Beans' five-year milestone. Left: Bagel Breakfast Set (NT$170) Right: Eggs Benedict Set (NT$230) Left: Chicken Pocket Bread Set Right: Pesto Smoked Chicken Set (NT$250)