A little bit of the Bronx

Originally published in The Louisville Journal
by Susan Reigler

If you live in the Louisville metro area, Jasper, Ind., isn't exactly a short commute. But if you happen to crave a New York City-style bagel or deli sandwich, it's a lot quicker trip than going to the Big Apple.

Dr. Richard Moss, owner of the Bronx Bagels, at 601 Newton St., U.S. 231, in Jasper, has imported baker Anthony Barba from New York. The cafe, housed in a former gas station, offers several big-city favorites.

No gimmicky novelty bagels here. Just the real thing, which sells for 50 cents ($5.25 per dozen). Cream cheese does come in a few flavors. A bagel with plain cream cheese is $1. With veggie, walnut raisin, blueberry or lox spread, it's $1.75.

Sandwiches include cheese (choice of Swiss, American or provolone, $2.50) and roast beef, hot pastrami, salami, tuna salad, chicken salad, turkey breast or ham (each $4.99). Sandwiches can be made with a bagel, whole-wheat roll or Italian bread roll. All are served with potato wedges.

A couple of specialty bagel sandwiches are offered. The Bronx Bomber Bagel is made with baked ham, Genoa salami, provolone, romaine lettuce, mayo or mustard and tomato. The Bronx Triple Crown Club has roasted turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mustard or mayo. It's served on an Italian hard roll. Both sandwiches are $4.99 and are served with baked potato wedges.

Hours for the Bronx Bagel are Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The telephone number is (812) 634-7569. Jasper is about 70 miles from Louisville.