
3

"A hometown bagel shop in Northport that inspires family rituals around the practice of 'scooping' bagels; the narrator resists fully hollowing hers out, instead tearing off a small piece and topping it with goat-cream cheese, onion, capers, and tomato. The choice underscores a personal taste that jars with family expectations and elicits the classic displeasure of a Jewish mother, highlighting a small but telling moment of individuality." - Gaby Grossman