Modern Bread & Bagel: A Gluten-Free Kosher Haven for Food Lovers
In the heart of New York City, a culinary revolution is taking place at Modern Bread & Bagel, a 100% gluten-free and kosher eatery that’s redefining the boundaries of taste and inclusivity. Founded by Chef Orly Gottesman in 2019, this innovative bakery and restaurant has quickly become a beacon for those seeking delicious, celiac-safe options without compromising on flavor or tradition.
A Gluten-Free Wonderland
At Modern Bread & Bagel, everything is gluten-free and kosher, yet you’d never know it from the taste. The menu boasts an impressive array of pastries, sandwiches, breads, and bagels that rival their gluten-containing counterparts. Using Blends By Orly gluten-free flour in all their products, Chef Gottesman has masterfully crafted recipes that maintain the texture and taste that food lovers crave.The star of the show is undoubtedly their New York-style bagels. Producing around 2,250 gluten-free bagels daily, Modern Bread & Bagel has earned a spot among the city’s best bagel shops. Their bagels have been praised for their doughy interior and crusty exterior, challenging the notion that gluten-free can’t compete with traditional recipes.
Kosher Certification and Shabbat Observance
As more fully overviewed in their FAQ page, Modern Bread & Bagel is certified kosher by the International Kosher Council (IKC) under the supervision of Rabbi Zev Schwarcz. The Columbus Avenue location closes for Shabbat on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Other locations remain open during Shabbat, operating under a Shtar Mechira arrangement. This commitment to Jewish tradition, combined with their innovative approach to gluten-free baking, makes Modern Bread & Bagel a unique destination for kosher food enthusiasts.
Expanding Horizons
What started as a single location on the Upper West Side has blossomed into a growing chain with multiple locations across New York and California. Diners can find Modern Bread & Bagel in:
- Upper West Side (the original location)
- Upper East Side
- Chelsea
- Woodland Hills, California
- Santa Monica
- Beverly Hills
Exciting news for commuters and travelers: a new location is set to open in Penn Station, bringing gluten-free, kosher delights to one of New York’s busiest transit hubs.
Beyond Bagels
While the bagels may be the initial draw, Modern Bread & Bagel offers much more. Their menu includes a variety of breads, from multi-seed whole grain to artisan ciabatta and focaccia. Sweet tooths will delight in their selection of cakes, pastries, and treats like cinnamon buns, babka, rugelach, and even gluten-free fried donuts. For those seeking a full meal, the restaurant offers an all-day brunch menu featuring innovative dishes like cinnamon babka French toast, corn & goat cheese fritters, and avocado toast with pomegranate.
A Mission of Inclusivity
Chef Orly Gottesman’s journey to create Modern Bread & Bagel was inspired by personal experience. After her husband was diagnosed with celiac disease, she set out to create gluten-free foods that didn’t compromise on taste using her immense experience and talents, which included a time working in the mecca of baking in Paris, France. Her mission was to open a bakery and restaurant that “just so happens to be gluten-free,” and by all accounts, she has succeeded. Modern Bread & Bagel has become more than just a restaurant; it’s a community hub for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or anyone looking for delicious kosher options and beyond. By proving that gluten-free and kosher cuisine can be indistinguishable from traditional favorites, Modern Bread & Bagel is changing perceptions and expanding possibilities in the culinary world.
