Washington, D.C.’s culinary story is as rich as its political one. Beyond the monuments and museums, the city is home to historic restaurants where presidents have dined, deals have been struck, and moments of American history have quietly unfolded over dinner tables.

For decades, bagel fans have travelled to New York City, seeking that perfect, chewy, fluffy bite. This reputation rests on over a century of traditional bagel-making skills and the local water, which many believe is essential for the dough. However, the search for the country's top bagel may now lead to a surprising new location, far from the Eastern Seaboard.