Bronx Bagels - a little piece of Manhattan in Indiana

Originally published in The Ferdinand News, Section B
by Lisa W. Hoppenjans

Dr. Richard Moss is a many-faceted individual. He has a thriving practice in ear, nose and throat, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. e is a world traveler who lived and practiced medicine in Asia for three years. e taught Yoga on TV 27. He is a gifted writer (no pressure here!).

And now, Dr. Moss is a restaurateur.

Bronx Bagels will open at the intersection of US 231 and SR 162 in Jasper later this week.

"I want to truly bring New York style and quality to South-ern Indiana," Moss said. “There's not too much ethnic food available, not like you can get in New York. I want some-one from New York to come into my restaurant and say, 'this is New York.' But with a feeling of Southern Indiana."

To that end, Moss has hired New York City baker Anthony Barba to bake fresh bagels daily. Moss' wife, Supit "Ying" will be general manager.

Moss and his wife had toyed with the idea of opening a restaurant for some time. They decided something new and different was in order, so the first decision was between Jewish or Thai cuisine. (Moss met and married Thai native Supit, who is a registered nurse, while practicing in Thailand.)

Bagels won out.

"A bagel shop has the convenience of fast food, but with a certain elegance," Moss said.

The restaurant does indeed have a certain elegance. Located. at one of the busiest intersections in Indiana â€" between 17,000 and 20,000 vehicles traverse it daily - the building is rich'in history. Originally a blacksmith and buggy repair shop, it became a gas. station, bridal shop, even a fireworks store.

The Mosses kept the interior contours, working within the existing framework. Booths, were installed where lifts elevated cars to be repaired and platforms that formerly housed gas pumps hold pots of flowers. Colorful neon signs grace the windows, announcing "Hot Bagels" and "Gourmet Coffee." Murals of bagels, coffee and desserts by Indiana artist Bill Burge bedeck plastered walls and a bar with upholstered stools follows an interior, original brick wall.

In an attempt to blend New York City and Southern Indiana cultures, photos of old New York and old Jasper will adorn the walls.

The crowning touch will be a 10x20 foot canvas painting by IU basketball artist Wendell Field, merging two motifsâ€"New York and Indiana.

"Bagels were brought to America by East European Jews around the turn of the century," Moss explains. "By the 1970's, bagels were becoming Americanized." I le chuckles. "Or, perhaps I should say America was becoming bagelized."

The restaurant will open for business Thursday, May 21.

In addition to bagels, the restaurant will feature gourmet coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Hours will be 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri-day and Saturday and 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.