I’ve been out and about more often than usual, due to being stymied by progress on my book on India as well as a sense of delight from immersion in the blossoming trees, and that means a long look at food and its costs.
I really wanted to like Bagelsaurus. It opened in Porter Square within the last year. Bought a poppy bagel and a pretzel bagel, and they were good. Not close to being bagels, but good bread. And at $25 a dozen? This is what happens when there’s not enough competition. Black Seed on Elizabeth Street is $15 a dozen. And David’s, Zucker’s, etc.? $15 to $18. Bonus: They all sell bagels and not good bread.
Later I went looking for white asparagus. Not the real and fancy stuff from Europe. Just ordinary greenhouse asparagus from Peru. The stuff you can get year round. Russo’s: $3.99 a pound. Formaggio Kitchen: $14.99 a pound. Same asparagus, no joke.
Finally, I stopped at Flour, the Central Square branch. No better vibe in town. Brilliant business plan: Long wooden tables, breads, coffee, and $9 later you have a plate of salad and an OK quiche of kale and sausage. I won’t have the quiche again: Soggy, no crust, but pleasant. Should food be pleasant?
