French Fried Challah Bites
Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Café | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
French Fried Challah Bites
Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Café | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
By Patricia Fitzgerald
July 19, 2024
By Patricia Fitzgerald
July 19, 2024
Griffin Brackey
“Nothing helps you wake up like fried bread!” says Griffin Brackey, director of operations, of the success of the French Toast Bites at Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Café. “Is it good for you? Of course not. But it feels so right! All jokes aside, this is one of those decisions that just makes your day better.” The dish is a simple riff on the classic French toast presentation. “Complexity is unnecessary when everything is just right,” he adds. “This is one of those dishes that speaks to the soul.”
Small pieces of challah are soaked in classic French toast batter with vanilla and cinnamon. Frying transforms them into fluffy, crunchy “pillows,” and they are served with a generous portion of maple syrup and showered with powdered sugar. The dish was introduced in a soft rollout, as regular guests were plied with samples. This created intrigue and eventual demand from other guests. “Jealousy mandated its release, and once it came out, it was an instant hit,” says Brackey. “Priced right and quick to make, we have trouble keeping up!”
About the Author
Patricia Fitzgerald serves different roles on the Flavor & The Menu team, including writing custom content, Kitchen Collaborative chef spotlights and digital editorial content, as well as acting as a contributing editor for the print magazine. As owner of PFitzCommunications, she specializes in various areas of foodservice and hospitality, while also maintaining clients in other industries and professions. She can be reached at [email protected].
