While cruising around town recently, I happened upon Big Apple Bagels in El Dorado Hills. Newly opened and eager to please, this place is enticing, especially for bagel and breakfast lovers. With a variety of flavored bagels, sandwiches and muffins, you’re spoiled with choice. And what’s a bagel without the trappings? The Kick-N Roast Beef looked like a winner to me—and tasted like one, too. Thin slices of well-seasoned beef were layered with lettuce, tomato and just the right amount of horseradish sauce, making it a hearty sandwich with a welcome hint of pungency. I chose an Onion Bagel to put all of the goodness into; it was fresh, soft and topped with flecks of roasted onion. One bite, and I vowed to put roasted onion on everything I ate henceforth! I also had a strong, hot cup of chocolate-flavored Brewster’s Coffee to sip on the side, rounding off a satisfying meal. With such variety, I reckon you’ll never be disappointed when you stop into the Big Apple. Big Apple Bagels, 2209 Francisco Drive, Suite 160, El Dorado Hills. 916-936-4343.

—Tara Mendanha 

Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group