Schmucks Bagels Opens in Guest Lane CBD
Schmucks Bagels turned Melbourne’s bagel offering on its head when the Guests Lane CBD store, specialising in innovative bagel flavours and fillings, recently opened to excited bagel enthusiasts. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to the launch.
Schmucks, a seriously tasty breakfast and lunch offering, is a tribute to founder Jeremy Marmur’s Jewish heritage, delivering Polski bagels – distinctly European in style – in a multitude of flavours, with a cheeky twist. Melbourne loves its bagels and Schmuck's is a welcome addition.
Marmur has brought together a dynamic team of Melbourne hospitality professionals, collaborating with Ben Avramides and Tommy McIntosh – the food and events specialists behind Tommy Collins – as well as chef and bagel boss Simon Winfield to bring the idea to life. Steamed instead of boiled, Marmur said these lighter but full-flavoured bagels are so good, they’re worth schlepping across town for. “I’ve binged on bagels since I was a boy and they’ve always reminded me of my grandfather, who somehow carried his sense of humour all the way to Australia from Poland despite his hardship. “He lived, ate, and loved seriously. He took everything seriously – except himself. Schmucks is my way of reminding myself to do the same.
“Although our concept is playful, the preparation, research and ingredient sourcing that has gone into creating Schmucks Bagels is far from that,” said Marmur.
The Schmucks team has developed a range of both innovative and classic bagels (think everything from rye to Vegemite) made in traditional European style. These will be loaded with seasonal, local filling combinations that rival anything seen before in Melbourne. Plus there will be a gluten free bagel, so no one feels left out.
If poultry is your schtick, try the Smokin’ Chick on a sesame bagel; smoked chicken, tarragon mayonnaise, capers, julienne carrots and green leaves. Vegetarians are catered for with Hippie Slicker on a seedy bagel; grilled cauliflower, carrot, cumin, hummus, house-pickles, lemon-dressed watercress, and tomato. These are indeed a modern and playful twist on the traditional fare!
Pescetarians can opt for the Miso Schmick on a sesame bagel; miso salmon with wasabi peas, Kewpie mayonnaise, pickled ginger, pea shoots and iceberg leaves, or if meat is your thing, go for the Schmoozer on a seedy bagel; hickory smoked beef brisket, BBQ sauce, chimichurri, iceberg lettuce and tomato. And let’s not forget the Luv U Lox bagel on rye; a classic combo of smoked salmon and extra creamy cream cheese, plus pickled onions and watercress.
Schmucks breakfast bagels will also be available for a morning hit, whether you prefer bacon and egg with tonkatsu; or sausage and egg with Kewpie mayonnaise. For a quick nosh, try the Blueberry bagel with your choice of almond butter or a lemon curd schmear, with an Allpress coffee.
The Schmucks offering extends beyond the bagel with a selection of seasonal salads and sweet treats, such as strawberry éclair balls. Sides and condiments have not been overlooked – there will be a dedicated range of crisps and pickles by Brooklyn cool kids McClure’s, as well as house made bottled sauces, also available to purchase.
For those who can’t wait, Schmucks Bagel Boxes are available now, just in time for Spring Racing Carnival and the festive season (add French or Australian bubbles for the ultimate race day out). Stay tuned next year as the catering offering expands under the expert guidance of Tommy Collins.
Schmucks bagels are made to order, available for dine-in or takeaway, and delivered with a cheeky schmirk.