Elandsgracht Amsterdam

The Lindemans may rightly be monickered an entrepreneurial tribe. Dozens of family members are entrepreneurs, most of them in some way or form in the Albert Heijn concern. This giant supermarket chain allows people like Lindeman a lot of leeway to personalise their business, and so they did. Having started back in the day, that is in the latter half of the 19^th century, thankyouverymuch, as a wholesale grocer, on the corner of Hazenstraat and Elandsgracht, the Lindeman family and their branch of Albert Heijn breathe new life into the somewhat dusty cliche of being the pillar of the community on the gracht. Something not lightly earned, and something they themselves would be proud of, although their modesty would strongly reject any such praise. Its sucess is such that family members help out daily, and that sometimes even includes manning a cash register, or assisting a new kid with re-stocking (another effect of its popularity, re-stocking appears to take place around the clock, every day of every week).

This  garage-turned-pharmacy was a welcome addition to the gracht when it got here in 2006 and has proven one of those places that people like coming back to. You listen to general manager Conny and it all sounds so straightforward: it is all about product knowledge and honesty. Her personnel is supposed to know what they’re talking about if they are to offer reliable advice to their customers. The fact that they get to try all new products is not only a great way of achieving this, the staff take great pleasure in it, too. Their modest yet professional attitudes make Etos a great place to wander around in. Browse at your leisure without feeling accosted by pushy people looking for a quick sale. The Etos employees had rather they gave you good advice without selling you something then making you buy something that does not really benefit you. Result: a steadily growing number of regulars as well as new customers. Common sense is good business.

It would be too easy to write something cheesy about this store. So we won’t. Instead, please come and meet Edwin and Henk, the business partnership who successfully started, and still run; five Kaashuis Tromp shops all across Amsterdam. Atypically, and fortunately for customers, none of these feel like a franchise formula. The duo train their personnel on the job in all things cheese related, and regularly organise tastings so their staff know what they’re selling and can inform their customers accordingly. Advice and experience are key to these busy and passionate cheese connaisseurs. This is reflected in all aspects of the shop interior. It looks inviting, and gives you an appetite. Plus, all employees are both willing and able to advise you on their selection. That,  no matter what shop you’re in and no matter how often you’ve experienced it, always remains a pleasure. Who needs advertising with that kind of reputation?

Who does not love a place where you can catch up with that neighbour you haven’t spoken in a while, in a shop that not only looks amazing, but smells irresistable? If you answer that with a clever “I”, you obviously have not vistited Arnold Cornelis at number 78. And we in turn will strongly encourage you to do so. Because  it really is a treat. Take a load off, have some coffee to go with one of their mouthwatering treats and your day just got even better than it already was. Joke is one of the driving forces behind the store and can be found behind the counter every day, with an easy smile and a pleasant demeanor. 28 Years and counting has she done this. It’s the regulars that keep coming back for more that has her still loving her work. Arnold Cornelis make and bake all their goods at the very first location they opened: on the van Baerlestraat. So do not expect artificial ingredients, wrapped in mass-produced cakes and tartlets. Do expect the sweet taste of fine patisserie, made with pride.

This bio-butcher’s has barely reached middle age, a respectable fourty six years old in 2012, but in a bustling city, specialising in what is still a niche market, that is quite an achievement. The bio-market may still be niche, but owner Niek does see the demand for biological meat grow. Niek inherited the artisanal approach to this profession from his dad Siem, the name that still adorns the front of the shop.  Siem was the co-founder of the ISC ( International Free range meat Control organisation). The traditional approach and work methods is also reflected in the pleasant interior. It is of course, spotless, but it has a hint of authenticity about it, with decorated woodwork, and some stained glass details. The customer truly is king here, as Niek says. Interaction with his customers, and their satisfaction with his productts, is all inherentin Niek’s dedication to his profession. And there is not a  recession or an out-of -commission bridge that will change that.

Nr 118 used to be a car dealer slash gas stop. One of those nice old-fashioned ones, typically seen in small villages, with one or two rusty gas pumps out front. Just like the space the new Antique Center across the street is now based in, this place is amazingly big too. This kind of space really is only suitable for one other purpose: a supermarket. So, that’s what Ekoplaza, the supermarket that exclusively sells organic food, turned it into. The beauty of Ekoplaza is that it did not try to cram as much products in there as possible. Instead, wide aisles make for convenient and easy navigating your way around. And still their range of products is virtually endless. From liquorish to soap, you name it, Ekoplaza carries it. Storemanager Ronald has run this supermarket since 2013. Ekoplaza is on the move with over 50 Ekoplaza’s across the country, proving that buying organic is not just another fad – it’s another lifestyle.

The Elandsgracht has been the proud host to the fifth and smallest establishment of the Vlaamsch Broodhuys since 2007, when the bigwigs of the company decided on this location because, well, it’s the Elandsgracht and its central location is very hard to beat. This shop may be small, but its attractive warm interior fits the size perfectly. It is all geared towzards a cosy place for coffee, brunch and lunch.  Its excellent sandwhiches and sweet, sweet pastries, made to order right in front of you,  will make any discerning customer’s mouth water. The bread is made from a company own recipe, top secret of course, and delivered to each of the Broodhuys’s shops around dawn every morning. Refreshingly it does not have wifi, so turn all your gadgets off and take your time when you step in here. One further interesting detail is that cash is not accepted here – you can only pay with debit cards.

The Elandsgracht was proud and very happy to welcome this pharmacy/ health food store on 15 September 2012. Its name is as intriguing as unusual for a business that specializes in, and differentiates itself with, supplements and so-called superfoods.  But considering the passion that owner Miranda has for her business, as well as her predilection for Motown music, the logic behind the name is quickly established. What’s more, it was her best friend, her soulsister, who convinced Miranda to finally start her own shop. Twenty-three years of experience in her field do not stop this entrepreneur from furthering her knowledge. Not only is she a licensed pharmacist and beauty/health consultant, before long she will also be a licensed ortho-molecular therapist. Three areas of expertise that not only fascinate her, but will greatly help her give sound advice to her customers. She will  just as easily discuss the benefits of a particular toothpaste as she will wax lyrical about sea-weed based products and various so-called superfoods. Rather than explaining these items here, we strongly encourage you to pay this charming shop a visit. Healthy eating is booming business, thanks to growing consumer awareness. All the more reason to obtain solid and easy to understand advice. Get it here, get it now!