Taylor Ham, Pork Roll Debate Has Been Solved By Seaside, NJ Bagel Shop
In New Jersey, we love to argue.
"No we don't..."
Yes. Yes we do.
We argue over driving habits, beach etiquette and the name of so many food items you would think our survival relies on it.
But the topic that gets New Jersey residents to go AT IT: the Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll debate.
I have heard a lot of people say that it all depends on where you live: South Jersey calls it Pork Roll and North Jersey calls it Taylor Ham.
(I'm originally from North Jersey so at times, I may be a little bias on this)
I have also heard people argue that one is a brand name and another is the actual product name....yada yada yada...
I've heard so many arguments for both sides but...finally...this debate might have finally been settled.
Well, sort of......but I'll get there.
While going for my Saturday morning bagel, I spotted something out of the corner of my eye at Bakin Bagels located at 1906 NJ-35 in Seaside Heights.
Now before you start with the, "Well what do they know?" argument, you will know with just one glance that this Jersey Shore business is one of those legit, OG New Jersey bagel shops.
You know what I'm talking about.
The place smells like fresh carbs and there are shelves jam packed with all sorts of New Jersey delicacies.
You have the typical shelf filled with fresh cheeses, cream cheeses, cold cuts and other popular sides like tuna and egg salad.
You also have some of those typical Italian favorites -- chicken cutlets, fresh mozzarella and tomato salad with balsamic, spinach, fried shrimp and more.
Bakin Bagels also had a whole shelf of various baked goods. I am talking soft cookies, brownies and cupcakes.
Do you see that peanut butter bomb!? *wiped drool*
There was also a whole other fridge dedicated to fresh desserts like cake, cheesecake and even other fresh sauces!
Oh and this is kind of cool: they will deliver your bagel order to the beach during the Summertime.
This little tid bit will 100000% come in handy.
But the discussion of Taylor Ham versus Pork Roll came up in the fridge filled with various drinks and other common grocery items.
Take a look:
I have seen a few different brands of Pork Roll/Taylor Ham.
Some will say Pork Roll. Others will say Taylor Ham.
This lovely option at Bakin Bagels contains both names....so I guess we have all been right the entire time???
How can either side possibly argue that their name is right and the other is wrong looking at this packaging?
I do, however, warn you that if you refer to this breakfast meat as Taylor Pork Roll, any born & raised Jersey folk my shriek.
But I do have a name that is worse.
Lindsay Dolashewich, a Survivor 42 contestant on the current season from Asbury Park, has the most unique name for Taylor Ham/Pork Roll: Breakfast Bologna!!
I know. Like....WHAT?!
Whatever you call it, I know there is one thing New Jersey residents can agree upon.
There is nothing like enjoying a fresh Taylor ham, egg and cheese on a plain bagel toasted with salt, pepper, ketchup on a Sunday morning.
Just look at that beauty.
So....did this help you to make up your mind? Did this change your mind?
Is it Taylor Ham or Pork Roll? Email me at Nicole.Murray@townsquaremedia.com.
And speaking of bagels...