I was up early yesterday morning because I had a lot of things to do. I knew three things at 5:30 AM.

• The Magnificent Muffin and Bagel shop would be open at 6AM.
• I would need at least $10 in cash
• No matter how busy I think I am, there is always someone busier

Cash only businesses used to bother me and would be a barrier in some cases. This is one of those exceptions. When I got to their door at 6:00am, they were already in full business mode. The breakfast items fully prepared and in the cases. The place smelled wonderful! However before I even got to the door, James Murdock (Melanie Tringali’s husband) was already unloading a truck outside! Bullet point three.

Circling back to cash only, I understand why businesses do it, especially small businesses. Over time the bank and credit card fees associated with purchases in aggregate take a huge chunk of money out of the businesses. That is a story for another time. Let’s focus on what a remarkable shop this is.

West Medford has always had this strong sense of community whether real or perceived. If you need proof, you only need to look at the walls as soon as you enter. Family pictures and resident pictures take up every free space on the walls and even the soda cooler! On warm days you see local folks out front talking, drinking, eating and generally having a great time.

The folks behind the counter are super friendly and it becomes very easy to realize why so many people come to this place in the morning. Yeah there is a Dunkin Donuts across the street but that is mostly for folks who hate coffee and donuts. I know what I said.

This morning I went to MM&B to get a plain bagel and an onion bagel with plain cream cheese. As I was finishing my order I saw my holy grail of foods – The Scone! Had I spotted that sooner, I would have actually gotten two scones, f the bagel! For the moment this is the only place I have seen scones. Before you send me hatemail, no I have not been to every single place in Medford, however I will take suggestions – medfordhappenings02155@gmail.com! On a funny note, I did make the mistake of trying to order a scone at Collettes and got a life time ban! I mean, who goes to a french bakery expecting scones??? Me, I guess.

Back to MM&B, yes the scone was 100% worth it. I got the Cinnamon scone cause its that time of year. Next time its the blueberry one. The scone I had was perfectly baked, it had the right amount of crust and a dusting of raw sugar, making it the ideal pairing with my French roast coffee.

The onion bagel was no different, it was expertly made and it had just the right amount of onions! Not like Bruggers where they put some kind of egg wash on it and then half of it falls off. No, this bagel was perfect. I could not have asked for a better start to the morning.

If you find your self waiting for the train in West Medford and I guarantee you will, you will have plenty of time to hit the Magnificent Muffin and Bagel shop next door. Its a great way to start your day!