Simply Nova has opened on Metropolitan Avenue bringing fresh bagels and smoked fish to the neighborhood.

The area around the Graham Avenue L has been in dire need of decent bagels ever since the Bagel Store was closed by the state over unpaid taxes. The former home of the rainbow bagel sat vacant for years until Simply Nova began renovating the space several months ago.

The new shop offers everything one could want in a traditional Jewish-focused delicatessen along with fresh made bagels and breads.

Giant jars of pickles sit in the window to welcome customers. Smaller containers are available in the refrigerator section at the back of the store.

The refrigerator is home to prepared foods. Need some soup? This is the place. Chicken noodle and barley were in the section, although a peek in the back of the store revealed a large tray of matzah balls ready for a bath.

Besides soups and pickles, there is Simply Nova branded water, classic deli sodas like Dr. Browns and fresh juices. Packaged gourmet cheese, cheese blintzes, and more.

Obviously, fish has top billing here with a wide selection of lox from Scottish to Norewegian. Pastrami lox and gravlax were also available as was white fish. The price per pound ranged from $12 to $18 depending on the variety.

Cream cheese shortage aside, the usual flavors like scallion and vegetable were available too.

There is a meat counter featuring pastrami and others, with a sandwich menu.

A full slate of salads were on hand as well, available by the pound. Olives and latkes also.

And don’t forget there was herring, available with or without white sauce.

There is a counter for sweets and chocolates too.

Behind the counter are a selection of gourmet dry goods and pantry items. The store also has bagel chips — a best in class version of the classic. The garlic flavored ones were cooked well and flavorful.

A trip to Simply Nova wouldn’t be complete without an actual bagel with lox and all the fixings. These aren’t cheap, coming in at $15 for a sandwich. But it was a damn good bagel, if this goy has anything to say about it.

Check out that cross section of lox, cream cheese, tomato, onions, and capers

Simply Nova
754 Metropolitan Ave