Bagel lovers rejoice – Bodega Bagel opens in Henderson September 6th. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 7am to 3pm on the corner of Eastern and St. Rose, the pop up turned brick and mortar from beloved Chef Sonia El-Nawal focuses on New York tastes with special twists from the Chef.
“Bringing New York to Las Vegas has been a dream of mine for a long time,” said Chef Sonia. “I am thrilled to open the doors to my brand, Bodega Bagel, and share the flavor and flair with the community and beyond.”
The Flavor
Bodega Bagel’s artisan bagels come in a variety of flavors like sesame, poppy seed, plain, and more – handmade every day, with garnishes like chive and scallion, smoked salmon, horseradish, and tofu schmears. Smoked fish toppings include house-cured gravlax, sturgeon, housemade whitefish salad, and smoked salmon.
But the Bodega Bagel menu is much more than bagels, other breakfast options include Shakshouka – eggs baked in spicy tomato sauce with a Jerusalem bagel; Eggs + Caviar – soft scrambled eggs, crème fraiche, caviar, chives and a latke; Brisket + Eggs – the Bodega Bagel steak and eggs, served with home fries and a choice of bagel or bialy; Challah French Toast – homemade challah, caramelized bananas and Grade-A maple syrup.
Favorite bagel sandwiches from Bodega Bagel are the Decker Special – house-cured gravlax, plain schmear, tomato, red onion and capers; Hudson River – whitefish salad, tobiko wasabi, scallions and microgreens; and, the always classic Old School – two eggs over easy and American Cheese.
Lunch shouldn’t be overlooked with sandwiches like Hot Pastrami, Hot Corned Beef, and Brisket; salads like the Chopped Chef Salad, and Israeli Salad; and daily, housemade soups including Chicken Matzo Ball, Mushroom Barley, and Borscht.
Rounding out the menu is the beverage component, which include La Colombe coffee, iced tea, and classic OJ. A selection of light-bodied wines, perfect for pairing with Bodega Bagel’s menu, will also be offered, as well as a Michelada, an assortment of beers, and pitchers of Mimosas and Sake Bloody Marys.
The Flair
Harkening back to the traditional New York diner with hints of Chef Sonia’s personal brand, Bodega Bagel reimagines classic deli offerings into a warm neighborly gathering spot. With a nod to 1940s New York, the dining room incorporates light and dark elements, the old and new with pops of yellow, gray, and ochre, brick, chrome, porcelain. A feature wall adds visual interest while paying homage to the classic bodega.
Even the music soundtrack adds to the flair of the room. Working with longtime friend and former Bond Street and Apt colleague Alec DeRuggerio, Chef Sonia partnered with New York-based expert music service Gray V to execute and amplify a one-of-a-kind playlist that enhances the overall Bodega Bagel experience. Gray V hones in on thoughtful and subtle nuances that ensure every aspect of the sound design breathes life into the space.
Tapping into each of the senses, Bodega Bagel creates a welcoming environment, perfect for relaxed meals with the family, friends, co-workers or even solo.
The Chef
Chef Sonia has been climbing the restaurant industry’s ladder for nearly 40 years. Working alongside top chefs like Julian Serrano, Jean Georges Vongerichten, and Pierre Herme, Chef Sonia has worked in cities spanning from Paris to Miami, Mexico City to Las Vegas.
Through her experience, the Libyan-born, Armenian-Lebanese Chef is no stranger to bringing her NY-style bagels and tastes to new audiences. After immersing herself in New York City’s food culture, Chef Sonia moved to Belgium in the 1990s, where she opened her popular eatery, The Spoonful Diner, delighting locals and earning praise like “the most authentic bagels in Europe” by the New York Times.
After launching a scaled-down version of Bodega Bagel at Downtown Las Vegas incubator Vegas Test Kitchen during the pandemic, Chef Sonia is ready to open the doors to her brick and mortar – a love letter to New York that already has a loyal following.
For more information, visit bodegabagel.com, and follow along @bodegabagel on Instagram. Starting September 6, 2022, Bodega Bagel will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 7am to 3pm at 10075 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson, NV 89052.
ABOUT BODEGA BAGEL
Bodega Bagel is Chef Sonia El-Nawal’s love letter to New York, specifically the Lower East Side. At the heart of LES was the Jewish community and its food – a rich history and culture that Chef Sonia celebrates at her own bodega, soon to open in Henderson, NV. The menu pays homage to the city and neighborhood that shaped her; some familiar items such as bagel sandwiches, smoked fish and various schmears are on the menu, among other appetizing delights. Bodega Bagel is a place for the Las Vegas community to gather and fall in love with food.
