Bagels, Jewish Rye, and Delis

I'm a Louisville native who left after graduating from UL, lived in Rochester, New York for 35 years, then came back home two years ago. I love it here, love the art, the music, the food , the smart growth and the weirdness. Rochester, a city of comparable size, pales in almost all respects, but...

After living here for the last two years, I have to say I can't find real bagels, real Jewish rye, or a serious deli. Dooley's bagels get the crust far too crisp, Nancy's are close but , uh, no. As far as rye is concerned, the best is not Blue Dog or Breadworks, but... Kroger's.

We have a Jewish mayor, after all... Any suggestions?

I like the rye at the local Eastern European markets. Dark and heavy. Can't help on bagels. Just my opinion, but here is a link to my fave deli. If you want more info about the markets, check my profile and e-mail me.

http://www.stevensandstevensdeli.com/