By Howard Koplowitz
Gill Kumer toils around the clock to ensure that his Bayside bakery is always serving up the freshest bagels, muffins and cakes.
Kumer, owner of Bagels and Cakes at 42−14 Bell Blvd., said his store only closes three hours a day.
“ ‘Fresh’ is our middle name,” said Kumer, 39. “It’s not easy. We bake all night, seven days a week.”
Originally an accountant by profession, Kumer first opened his bakery 20 years ago on Bell Boulevard by 41st Avenue before moving down the block in July.
“It was a business opportunity and I learned to bake” from the previous owner, he said. “They gave me the first push and then it took months to fine−tune” the baking style.
The shop specializes in old−fashioned, healthy bagels and sugar−free muffins with added fiber, Kumer said, and it also serves cupcakes and Italian pastries.
About 20 varieties of bagels are served, along with a plentiful supply of muffins, including yogurt and sugar− and fat−free.
Nearly the entire selection is homemade, including salads and cream cheese spreads.
“It would be hard to find anything that we don’t make here,” Kumer said.
Bagels and Cakes also offers a wide selection of cookies — including chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and coconut — and donuts.
But the shop is not just for breakfast. It also has a full line of deli meats and cheeses for those looking for a sandwich and a full grill with burgers and French fries.
For Valentine’s Day, Kumer said Bagels and Cakes is offering special cupcakes, pastries, heart−shaped Linzer tarts and cakes to order.
“It’s a nice neighborhood place,” he said.
The shop has its share of regulars and has free wireless Internet access for its customers.
“Our customers have been coming for many, many years,” Kumer said.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e−mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 173.
