The Secrets Behind New York's Best Bagel — Handmade

Utopia Bagels co-owner Scott Spellman has been making fresh, New York-style bagels for over 40 years. Here he takes us through his bagel-making process, and talks us through his philosophy on what makes an NYC bagel the one to beat.

Credits:
Producer/Director: Carla Francescutti
Camera: Murilo Ferreira, Carla Francescutti
Editor: Carla Francescutti

Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Supervising Producer: Stefania Orrù
Associate Director of Audience: Terri Ciccone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eater is the go-to resource for food and restaurant obsessives with hundreds of episodes and new series, featuring exclusive access to dining around the world, rich culture, immersive experiences, and authoritative experts. Binge it, watch it, crave it.

[DKez]

Love how he gives so much credit to everyone in the restaurant. Sign of someone who respects the craft!

[jinxmacabenta]

He respects his employees, respects his local competitors, respects his craft, and most importantly, he seasons both sides of the bagel. What's not to like about this guy?

[juliaprairie]

My husband and I were finally able to make the trip to try this place. So worth the hype. Best lox bagel we’ve ever had! We met Scott & his wife. They were both working the front counters, taking orders, etc. Chatted with them briefly & they were so sweet, even handed us a free bagel fresh out of the oven! So rare to see owners who care so much & aren’t above working right alongside their staff. The love is reflected in the quality of their food! Can’t wait to go back.

[aldyhong]

"Charge what you need to charge, but make sure the quality is there." I agree and respect this statement.

So many people turn away from something that's "too expensive" but never understand why they have to keep up the pricing.

[kittykitties]

I've never seen anyone more deserving of success than this man. He made sure EVERY aspect of making the bagels was perfect. He didn't cut a single corner or take it easy anywhere.

[onocoffee]

Refreshing to see someone talk about craft and openly discuss the "secrets" to their craft, proving that these "secrets" are open because so very few people are willing to go to this extent in their craft.

[imakeitwhynot]

I love how he's not saying "It's a secret recipe". He's really confident in his product, his reputation, and the loyalty of his customers, that he has nothing to hide.

[Im_so_Retro]

If only more business owners were like this guy...I'd work for him. He seems like a phenomenal entrepreneur and boss.

[charlesthevoice]

This guy is a true businessman. Prepared, efficient, caring, and loving of his product and how it made is an absolutely essential to him. Love that he cares about his community and his employees. Seems like a happy dude that loves what he does. Love it!

[HeatherHotcakes]

I could listen to this man discuss bagels forever. He’s fascinating.

[SLPSYMXY]

Master of his craft. Mad respect. My family has been making pizza for over 35 years. And I rarely hear anyone talk about the weather. He’s right. The ambient air temp, humidity level, pressure all change how the dough proofs and rises. He really knows his stuff.

[GHAuctions]

Every single step is "probably the most important part of the process". This guy gets it. Love him.

[yekujoo]

I work in a bakery and let me tell you, artisan bakers are a different breed. You will find no harder working people who work under difficult conditions, especially during the summer. I loved loved loved this video. Scott is quite the philosopher and I appreciated him sharing so much of the process. The love and respect he shows his employees is so endearing. Just fantastic.

[SuperFredAZ]

My father was a NY Bagel Baker 75 years ago. I can attest you are the real deal.pretty much the same process. I worked there a few years, congratulations for keeping the traditional ways.

[ryanhie]

I've worked at restaurants and a pastry shop briefly. I have mad respect for a business like this that puts out a huge volume of consistent product every day and respects their employees.

[christinaapplegate]

This man is someone who is to be highly valued and respected. He has it all going on and knows what’s it’s all about. I came across this video accidentally but couldn’t stop watching him talk. I fell in love with his love of his business.

[cileft]

i love how much love this guy has for his employees. nyc needs to keep family businesses like these. all those chain stores where employees come and go every season, none of them will develop the skills and craftsmanship that takes decades. it's so valuable.

[jamalrobinson]

Give this guy his own show.
He can make even bagels look interesting

[Redman]

Many years ago I visited this shop and I loved the bagels. I never thought I'd see a video that explains to me why I love their bagels so much. I lived in CT for 13 years and loved to go to NY to visit my uncle and eat at different places. Eater has made it possible to see inside these places that I hold dear to my heart.

[jasoncarby]

Im not a big bagel fan . but the way he explained the process, the way those sandwiches looked and the love they have for their product really impressed me