By Flavor & The Menu
May 6, 2021

C.J. Jacobson

A bagel and a schmear can make your morning, and Aba, a modern Mediterranean concept from Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, rises as a perfect case study. In the Jerusalem Bagel, Chef/Partner C.J. Jacobson puts a signature Cal-Med twist on this doughy classic. In addition to the conventional smoked salmon spread, he opts to pair this breakfast/brunch favorite with Mediterranean accoutrements, such as sumac red onions, tomatoes, capers and labneh. It’s a top performer on the restaurant’s weekend brunch menu.

The colorful plate offers flavorful variety with every mouthful. “We put our Mediterranean twist on it and serve it mezze style, so guests can dip into the sides, creating their own bite each time,” says Jacobson. “It’s a guest favorite because it’s two dishes in one—you get to enjoy a warm toasty bagel along with a chilled, smoky spread.”

This item does well as a to-go item, and as off-premise menus continue to command a lot of business, Jacobson has added this morning classic to the dinner menu—both in-restaurant and for takeout.