zucker's bagels and smoked fish

As far as I'm concerned, there are few things better than a fresh bagel, still hot from the oven, with a schmear of cream cheese, smoked salmon, freshly sliced tomato, red onion, topped with a light squeeze of lemon. Every Saturday when I was growing up, my Dad would take us to Bagel King to pick up a dozen bagels, salmon, sometimes whitefish, and a special treat for the ride home: a strawberry cheese danish. I have tried to maintain this ritual (minus the danish) in my adult life as well. But it has seemed all to difficult for me to find the "perfect" bagel with lox. Even in New York City, I have had to take matters into my own hands by buying all of the parts and making it my own. But sometimes, I'd just so much rather have it done for me. Especially on a slightly groggy Saturday or Sunday morning.

Enter, Zucker's Bagels and Smoked Fish. Over on Chambers St. this past Sunday, my prayers were answered. The perfect bagel and lox (minus a minor caper incident -- they don't really do anything for me) was presented to me alongside a gargantuan and much needed iced coffee. A slightly chewy yet toothsome bagel with the silky, salty nova lox, fresh tomato (not the least bit mealy), and piquant, crisp red onion. One of my all time favorite, perfect bites.

SERVICE: 20*

FOOD: 24

LOOK: 22

VIBE: 22

FINAL GRADE: 88

*It's hard to rate a deli-type joint as not much service is involved. They were totally decent, if not a tad unenthusiastic, but that's forgivable.