Russ & Daughters - 4/5

Award: Store of Note

Store
Classic New York attraction. Quieter inside possibly due to COVID but 5 people in white coats working on orders. A white-tiled, smoked fish spectacle. No nonsense ordering; you will be looked at with disdain if you aren't prepared and attentive when you order. While one could take points off for the service, you have to respect the game.
5/5

Bagel
(Note: I've gone with one style of bagel as a control for all reviews: everything with scallion. This does not fit the fish-focused offerings of Russ and Daughters)

A smaller sized bagel. Toppings on both sides, light density. A tough bagel, even for the AM; not doughy. Slight grainy mouth feel. Better than packaged or deli bagels certainly, but doesn't hold up well on its own. It's a bagel fundamentally designed to be paired with lox, onion, tomato and capers. In this respect, it truly fits the sub category of bagel stores known as appetizings. Add a point for the full experience - which I ate immediately after the review.
3.5/5

Cream Cheese
Standard bagel store cream cheese, served too cold relative to the room temperature bagel. Scallion doesn't add much to the party. Served at even application with no messiness.
3.5/5