PUYALLUP'S BAGEL BOYZ ARE ALL THE RAGE >>>

More and more often, when I ask who supplies the bagels at a local café or coffee shop, the answer is Bagel Boyz. Last fall a barista at Clancy's almost peed himself in excitement when telling me it would be only a matter of days before the downtown Tacoma coffee shop began selling them. Likewise, a smiling woman at Beyond the Bridge Cafe on Sixth Avenue recently told me how great they are for bagel sandwiches.

Since Bagel Boyz Bistro opened July 2009, the young owners have been taking care of business in downtown Puyallup. Wade Reynolds, Tim Satre, Jordan Caine and Scott Reynolds handle the roles of bagel maker, cashier, waiter, cook, dishwasher, deliveryman and coffee and espresso maker. The menu consists of New York-style bagels - think chewy and dense - bagel sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries, fish and chips, coffee, teas, espresso, sodas, juices and sweet and savory crepes.

The caramelized banana crepe with chocolate, and the from-scratch lemon-curd-filled crepe with raspberry sauce drizzled on top came highly recommended. Brownie sundaes, ice cream cones and hand-dipped milkshakes are also served. Also, five burgers have recently been added - the most popular is the barbeque burger. Basically, it is a half- or quarter-pound of beef topped with Swiss cheese, an onion ring, barbecue sauce and lettuce served on a toasted bagel. Bam! It's a bagel burger.

Bagel Boyz is open for breakfast and lunch, and has a family-friendly, casual and comfortable environment. In warm weather, a flower basket-lined patio makes a great getaway.

[Bagel Boyz Bistro & Catering, 109 S. Meridian, Puyallup, 253.466.3979]