STARBUCKS TAKES ON NEW YORK. And the winner of the breakfast sandwich showdown is no shocker: NYC's got it locked SPORTS FINAL Edition

• Published in: Daily news (New York, N.Y. : 1920)
• Main Author: RACHEL WHARTON With Christopher Cullen, Michelle Icahn, Julian Kesner, Nicole Lyn Pesce and Jane Ridley
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, N.Y Tribune Publishing Company, LLC 13.10.2006

The fancied-up ingredients are flavorful, true, but we expected problems watching the barista fumble with his fancy bagel tongs and newfangled toaster oven. A paperweight of a sandwich, this emerged a melty mess and gets tough on the bottom, plus it's too hot to eat on the run. We expected more from the Seattle powerhouse. Don't they know breakfast better than anyone? The counter staff gave a weary look when I requested two to go. Looks like the sandwich might rival the half-caf skinny maple macchiato for Most Annoying Thing to Order at the 'Bucks. Made on the same crusty loaves this scruffy-but-lovable Dominican spot uses for Cuban sandwiches, this is a breakfast sandwich built for two. Eggs and ham are fried to order on a flavor-soaked griddle, but if you want butter or salt and pepper - and you will - be sure to ask. Bottom Line: The stretch limo of breakfast sandwiches; even if you're a die-hard for a hard roll, give this crusty loaf a try. Eggs are whipped into a fluff and cooked to order, the Boar's Head ham is shaved nicely thin, and the chewy bagels are some of the best in Brooklyn. Put it together with cheese and you've got a carb- packed power breakfast that'll put one of those dinky fast-food bagel bites to shame. Just don't plan on making any fast moves when you're done. Bottom Line: A really great bagel is one of this city's best perks. They're worth a detour on your morning routine.