have always been a fan of Solly’s Bagels. I frequented their original location on Main Street and 28th Avenue every Wednesday for their Bargain Day: you can buy a dozen bagels for $4.95. When their newest store opened on West 7th Avenue and Yukon Street, I rushed over there to check it out. Thankfully, they still have their Bargain Days and everything else that I love on the menu.

The interior has almost double the floor space than any of their other locations and the atmosphere is even more "hamesh," as they say. It means “homey” in Yiddish. There are windows surrounding the Yukon Street and 7th Avenue sides and plenty of natural light shines in on even the dreariest of Vancouver days. There are numerous tables set up for a more café-style setting and sitting for an hour or two in their comfy environment is like curling up in your parents living room while they serve you lunch (assuming, that is, that you still like your parents).

This location also features a large production kitchen, where they can centralize the baking efforts for all three stores. The lunch crowd has been flocking in herds already and the place always seems to be buzzing with happy customers. The bagels are made fresh daily and are kettle boiled and baked throughout. For the health conscious, they contain no added fat or eggs and are cholesterol free. The rest of their menu covers everything from sandwiches, soups and salads, deli items and dessert. You can always find something to fill that lunchtime craving.

Solly’s is also famous for its Cinnamon Buns. They are gooey, rich and ever so delectable. With caramelized topping and filled with butter, brown sugar and spices, they are worth the trip in and of themselves. Special for Valentine’s Day this year, you can surprise your sweetheart with their seasonal Cinnamon Buns. They are formed from six buns in the shape of a heart and gift-wrapped in cellophane with a red bow, ribbon and a place to put your romantic message. There is also the “Chocolate Babka Buns,” which are hand-rolled and drenched in Belgium Chocolate filling and topped with a light sprinkle of icing sugar. This place just keeps getting better. - L.H.