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LIFE in the Kitchen: Blue House Bagel Company

By Natalie K. Pollock

Staff Writer

Lia and Mark Safalow are first-time operators of the Blue House Bagel Co. and Café. They gutted the former antique shop, dated from 1806, and stand in their brand-new kitchen with a large marbleized bagel. Photo by Natalie K. Pollock

CANTON – There are at least two unusual facts about the newly opened Blue House Bagel Company and Café on the Albany Turnpike: the first is that owner Lia Safalow has perfected a method for making bagels with sourdough that makes them reminiscent of the more famous New York bagels; and the second is that the Blue House might be haunted.

The Colonial era house, painted an eye-catching blue color, was operated for many years as an antique shop. Two years ago, Lia and her husband Mark Safalow decided to buy the house. A day before the closing they met in person with the owner and were told that the house was haunted. Apparently, when the former owner had placed some antique dolls in a particular location, the next morning it was obvious that the dolls had been moved to another location.

The Safalows went ahead with the purchase, but were also told by a customer that when she was at the top of the stairs leading to the second level, she felt a pressure as though someone was trying to push her down the stairs.

The new owners were nervous enough to call a company of ghost hunters from Enfield, who spent six hours at night on the premises the first day of two and reported that they felt a presence, although they were not able to see anything or catch an image on their cameras.

According to Mark Safalow, his wife had purchased an antique proofing board at the house, and the ghost hunters felt some kind of activity on the board. He suggests that maybe the ghost was attached to the antiques.

The Blue House was built in 1806 and served as a residence until the 1970s. At some point there had been a fire in it, and in the early 1900s a newspaper article mentioned a woman who had died in the house.

Lia Safalow reveals that they found 70 pairs of shoes buried on the property as they were clearing the land. During the Colonial era it was believed that burying shoes would ward off evil spirits.

But the couple has not felt nor seen anything unusual since they began work on the property, completely gutting the interior and preserving what original details they could both inside and out, such as a widow’s peak on the fireplace added to discourage witches. They upgraded the plumbing and wiring and added new technology for the menu and operating system.

Mark Safalow is a doctor at the UConn Health Center, but he and his wife wanted to start a business. Their son Matthew is entrepreneurial and had visited the house when it sold antiques. The family had talked about perhaps opening a breakfast café, and when the house came on the market Matthew suggested selling bagels.

“There are no good bagel places where we can get a New York-style bagel. I was born in New York City and grew up in West Hartford [so I know the difference]. Most people appreciate high quality here. It’s amazing how many bagel snobs there are here,” said Dr. Safalow.

When their two sons were much younger, Lia Safalow would buy them quick bagel sandwiches for lunch but had to go to a gourmet coffee shop to find coffee she enjoyed. She is the former director of operations with Velocity Urgent Care, who loves baking and being creative with what she bakes.

Their new shop has sourdough bagels made with unbleached and unbromated flour and the best quality ingredients, as well as the best quality coffee they can find. Their younger son Ben helps with making the dough from time to time, which is a three-day process the way his mother makes it. Most shops do not follow her methods, according to Safalow.

Q. Lia, how long have you worked in this industry?

A. I had been baking bagels for two years as a hobby before we decided to operate a bagel café and I hired a bagel consultant.


Q. What is your most popular bagel?

A. The most popular are the everything, plain, and the rosemary with olive oil bagels. The least popular is za’atar. When people buy it the first time they don’t know if they will like it, but then they buy it again. We open at 7:00 a.m. and by 10:00 we sell out.

Q. What is your personal favorite?

A. Lia loves the za’atar bagel, and Mark’s favorite is the poppyseed.

Q. What is your “secret weapon” ingredient?

A. Lia: I would have to say the quality of our flour, which makes it more expensive but it’s worth it, and the sourdough mother. Mark: And maybe New York bagels are so good because of their water.

Mark added: I was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I ate a bagel one month ago in West Hartford, and my blood sugar spiked in an hour. I tried one of our bagels later in the day and my blood sugar level was completely flat. Enriched flour is the worst thing you could eat.

Q. What is the one cooking technique that everyone should know?

A. It’s about quality over quantity. After the dough has been proofed and you are forming the bagel, you have to be gentle handing the dough, especially when you pull it off the proofing board. Baking evenly is also important.

Q. If you could take any celebrity chef out to dinner, who would that be and where would you take him or her?

A. We would take Gordon Ramsay to our café and ask him what he thinks of our bagels and our baking process.

Q. What herb or spice best describes your personality?

A. Lia: Rosemary for me because it’s spicy, flavorful and can be pungent. And for Mark, I think basil because it’s mellow and more delicate.

Q. What do you like to cook when having guests to your home?

A. Lia: I love to grill, especially pizza outside, for five minutes on one side. We have an island with toppings for people to pick their own. Then I throw it back on the grill for another five minutes. As a child I would go to grandma’s house on Sundays, and we would make a big vat of dough. Everyone would get some to take home and freeze. So, my mother would make pizzas. Now I bake every day, and I have made pizza bagels with organic basil that is very popular. I grow rosemary in the window here. My family loves gardening, so we always have fresh herbs. VL


The Blue House Bagel Co. and Café is located at 161 Albany Turnpike in Canton and open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. until the bagels have sold out. For more information visit bluehousebagelco.com or call 860-352-2936.

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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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