Boer Geert

Boer Geert

Ten Katemarkt

Hasebroekstraat 6

1053CT Amsterdam

One of the best things about being a Fat Kid in a new city is stumbling across places that you wouldn’t normally find. This was the case with Boer Geert and the “Pastrami Phenomenon.”

Living in Amsterdam Oost, I rarely find myself on the west side of town… and truth be told I actually walked past Boer Geert two times before I stopped. 

The first time I was just casually walking through the market on my way to the “De Hallen", the second time, similar scenario, however I saw some guy destroying a sandwich that looked delicious and didn’t think to stop and ask what/where. 

Stom! 

Twee weken geleden, half een, Donderdag. I look out my window to gauge the weather. 

Everyday it’s like the “Goldie Locks” story here. Is it cold out, is it warm out, or is it just right. Will it rain, will it be dry or both? I don’t know.. I’m losing my mind because I’m hangry so I jump on my oma fiets and start cycling. 

Boer Geert here I come! 

I pass countless numbers of other fietsers, I even fly past Tom Dumoulin as I yell out “kijk uit jongen!” 

He apparently isn’t as hungry as I am as I whiz past Sarphatipark, past Ferdinand Bol and get to Museumplein in record breaking time. 

I’m a “man on a hunger mission” I cycle fast.. real fast!

I’m heading towards the Old West district of Amsterdam on Van Baerlestraat and make a quick left by the Kinkerstraat. So many places to eat… a kebab spot, a burger joint, a snackbar , haha a salad place none of which get my stomachs attention. 

Then as if the “patriarch of the pistoletje” puts the “Fatman" signal in the sky, I hit the brakes on my bike fishtailing my rear end as I get to the Ten Katemarkt and sprint to the Boer Geert stand. 

Phewww… Made it! 

It’s business as usual as the street vendors are heel druk hustling their products. Breads, Cheeses, Vegetables, Fish and Fruits to Bike Locks, Travel Luggage, Teas, Tand Pasta (Toothpaste) and everything else you can imagine a neighborhood “flea market” can offer! 

Not till my third visit and eighth sandwich did I find out the history of Boer Geert. It’s truly a family affair here first starting 65 years ago with zijn opa, then de vader of Boer Geert and NOW Geert and his daughter run the show. 

Situated in the same spot at the Ten Katemarkt for now 30 years, their signage says, “Voor alles wat lekker is” which translates to “Don’t be an idiot, stop here and eat!” 

There is also a twin brother who runs the Zaandam shop and the companies catering orders. 

It’s a friggin “Delicatessen Dynasty!” 

Geert, could have a star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame,” he’s like the dutch Kirk Douglas. Handsome, debonair with a sparkling personality, strong chin and always a smile on his face. 

Call me “Cinderfella” cause Geert is like “Prince Charming on a White Horse,” however his horse is made out of bread and pastrami and it’s galopping into my belly before midnight!

Everything made super fresh, enjoy the Steak Teriyaki, Filet, Hot Chicken, Bruscetta, Kebab, Focaccia, Vitello Tonnato, Caprese or Warm Vlees. Truly, “Voor alles wat lekker is!” 

Since I’m a chubby jewish kid from New York and my pacifier was made from Pastrami, I have to stay close to my roots and order one. 

Standing on his podium acting as the “Pope of Pastrami” serving heavenly broodjes uit de buurt,  Geert first takes the marinated Pastrami and warms it on top of a hot circlular flat grill creating that sexy sizzle us Fat Kids love to hear. Pssssssss….  

Next, a fresh pistoletje bread is sliced. For those that don’t know, a pistoletje is a small “hot dog bun” shaped bread where the outside crust is usually hard and crispy, while the inside is soft and fluffy. 

Iceberg Lettuce positioned on the bottom, this “Pastrami Philanthropist” adds a heaping amount of that succulent meat to the bread. Almost finished, he tops it off with a few generous squeezes of a homemade Honey Mustard sauce and now it’s ready to be donated to my gut.. 

You really taste every element to the sandwich. Your first bite combines the crispy crunch of the bread with the salty smokiness of the Pastrami. A light and perfect sweet sting from the Honey Mustard to the crunchy freshness of the Lettuce making this three ingredient sandwich one of the best in town! 

4 bites and it’s gone! Pastrami perfection at it’s finsest I wipe my face and ask Boer Geert, “Why Pastrami? Waar komt de inspiratie vandaan? 

WIth a smile on his face, he tells me that he had been to Manhattan, New York’s iconic Katz’s Delicatessen and thought he could do it better than them and in many many ways, he does. 

When in Amsterdam West, make it a point to stop by Boer Geert at the Ten Katemarkt and enjoy not only his Pastrami sandwich masterpiece but the friendly conversation that comes with it! 

MEAT & GREEK

Utrechtstraat 113 1017 VL 

Amsterdam, NL 

Growing up in New York having Greek friends, I learned a lot about the food. My first experience was working at “Il Giordino" in Hauppauge, Long Island New York for Efstathios Semitekelos and his family. 

Delivering food, being a waiter, cashier, short order cook, and up and coming Fat Kid, working there was all about “Gyros”  “Tzatziki”, “Spanikopita”, more eating, Athens and Efstathios’ stories. 

I’ve cruised past MEAT & GREEK “The Andere Griek” or “The Other Greek” at least 4-5 times before I stopped to take a taste. 

“Dat was een beetje dom….” 

Each time cycling by, the waft of herbs and spices would breeze through my nose drawing me in closer. But today I stopped! 

The Canal Belt, Tuesday afternoon half twee. It’s October drieentwintig and The Fat is BACK! 

Perched by the corner of the Prinsengracht and Utrechtsestraat the interior of MEAT & GREEK is decorated with blues and whites, traditional Greek colors.. It’s clean, small and efficiently running. 

The young inspired team of “Pita Professionals” are busy creating food only fit for the “Greek Gods of Goodness.” Lead by the owner Mano… this passionate, sharp, friendly staff have your food ready as quick as a thunderbolt from Zeus! 

Everyday, everything is homemade using the 50 year old, 15 day spiced Gyro seasoning family recipe. I say again, 50 year old, 15 day spiced Gyro seasoning family recipe!

Gyro is a cylinder of meat made from Pork, or a combination of Pork and Lamb. 

Both, “HEEL Lekker!”

Choose between the “Hot Greek” Gyro pita which adds Spicy Feta and Jalapeños, to the “Greeky Freaky” that would give a “Philadelphia Cheesesteak” it’s run for the money. 

A Vegan option, The “Chef’s Favourite” adding a Fig Jam, #incredible, or the “Double Trouble,” a double meat Mt. Olympus sized Gyro pita. There is nothing aparthenon delicious Greek food coming from this kitchen! 

For me, The “Classic” Pita. It is exactly that… A “Classic.” 

First ingredient, the Pita. You need a good pita. One that doesn’t fall apart under pressure. 

MEAT & GREEK has just that! 

It is strong but buttery soft and holds your sandwich together. Next ingredient, the Cole Slaw. A nice sweet garden crunch that compliments the creamy Tzatziki. fresh Komkommer, Tomaten, Feta Kaas and Rode Uien. Uien. Uwwn, Uiyen. 

That’s a hard one for me to pronounce in Dutch!  

Now ladies and gentleman, the star of the attraction. 

The Meat! 

Needing an electric “Heggenschaar” in order to shave the meat off the rotisserie, the beautifully seasoned caramelized crunchy crispy most succulent meat that’s seasoned with salts, peppers, garlics, paprika’s, 50 year old, 15 day spiced family recipes and a pinch of f#%cking awesome awaits to be laid on top. 

As I drool, my jaw unhinges, I hunch my back and ready that first bite. Practically throwing my plate on the ground and screaming in Greek, “Opa!” And not for my grandfather, I am beyond satisfied as I finish my MEAT & GREEK Gyro pita in 300 spartans. 

I peel open my wet napkin, fix my posture, unbuckle my belt, and think, It’s good to be Fat again! 

"The Boss"

Banketbakkerij Jan De Groot

Stationsweg 24 5211 TW

Den Bosch

“The Boss”

And don’t just assume cause I’m an American living in Holland I’m talking about Bruce Springsteen. But I was “Born In The U.S.A” and “My Hometown” had seen some “Glory Days” but I was “Born To Run” towards the “Streets of Philadelphia” while “Dancing in the Dark.”

I’m talking about the “Bossche Bol” from Banketbakkerij Jan De Groot in ‘s-Hertogenbosch also named “Den Bosch.”

Pff.. Say that 3x fast! Then, you are Dutch! Echt moeilijk man… !!

It’s a Saturday morning in Amsterdam, It’s cold out, windy, probably some rain, NO sun anywhere in the forecast so I think to myself, “Lekker weer! What a perfect day to get a “Bossche Bol!”

I check the train schedule and start my journey.. I’ve got about an hour to prepare for my encounter with the “Faberge Egg of Whipped Cream!”

The M54 metro from Wibautstraat towards Centraal Station shaves about 10 minutes off..

50 minutes left!

A two minute walk, I board the Intercity 851 towards Maastricht on Platform 4B.

The train is busy, people scurrying to find a place to sit. I get lucky and grab a window seat, take out my notebook and begin to write.

48 minutes and counting…

My own personal mini movie plays just outside my window. Beautiful Amsterdam city to farmland within minutes.  A mini forest, another small city, back to country canals to mini forests, back to farmland. Mooi!

I snap out of my day dream by hearing “Het Volgende Station is Utrecht Centraal” or “The Next Station is Utrecht Central…”

About 30 minutes more.

Snelheid: honderd achtien km/uur or 73 mph doesn’t seem fast enough but finally we arrive,

Den Bosch!  

A 5 minute walk from the station stands the Jan De Groot Banketbakkerij. 18 years in business, 40 people waiting on line outside and an average of 10,000 Bossche Bollen sold each Saturday I make my way in…

Yes, I said 10,000 BOSSCHE BOLLEN on average each SATURDAY, alone!

Chew on that for a while…  Uh, OK!

They have beautiful food, soups to sandwiches however I’m here specifically for one thing and one thing only, the “Bossche Bol.”

About the size of an overweight tennis ball, they serve me up one quickly after I sit down.

I laugh when it arrives because I’m handed tiny utensils to eat this thing with. “One small bite for man, one giant leap for man’s stomach,” I am sent to the moon with that first bite!

When I sink my teeth in, I get an explosion of “Slagroom” aka Whipped Cream.

“How do they get so much Whipped Cream inside?” I think to myself as my eyes roll back into my head.  It’s fresh, fluffy and FULL. The pastry, light and airy. Flakey, but not like a friend who cancels on you last minute. Oh and the chocolate shell, so subtle, soft not over sweet.. a perfect mix of powdered sugar, vanilla and cocoa powder.

This thing is “The Boss” and it’s in charge of my taste buds asking me to work overtime today...

I have one, then two, then a third. Yes I know, this is not normal but I can’t stop!

Despite the struggle with my inner Fat Kid and almost biting my hand off, I push myself away from the table, pay and walk slowly back to the train station feeling like a human Bossche Bol.  

Whether it’s with coffee, after dinner, for breakfast as a gift or after an hour long train ride, it doesn’t matter. The “Bossche Bol” from Jan De Groot Banketbakkerij in ‘s-Hertogenbosch or, “Den Bosch.”  is “the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.”

Benny’s Chicken

           

Albert Cuypstraat 177, 1073 BG Amsterdam +31 06 413 079 95

December 29^th and it’s a cold windy rainy day in Amsterdam, I know, what else is new!?

I jump on my fiets and start peddling towards the Oud-Zuid (Old South) district of the city.

Next stop, the Albert Cuyp Market!

FUN FACT: In 1905, only on Saturday evenings, the city decided to set up a market for local street traders and pushcarts. But in 1912, because of how busy it got, the market was opened during the day, six days a week. Every morning they set up and every evening they breakdown the stands that consist of everything from vegetables, fruits, fishes and spices to clothing, electronics, home décor and souvenirs. The multicultural selection of products is directly related to the Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan and Dutch culture in the neighborhood making it the most diverse and busiest markets in all the Netherlands and the largest daytime market in Europe.

I get to the market, park my bike and start walking down the gauntlet of goodies. It’s business as usual with various offerings being presented, negotiated and sold to tourists and locals alike. Each vendor having their own “shtick,” some try playing music, dancing and soliciting people, others, just going through the motions of another day trying to make a living.

I walk past the French Fry Guy, past the Poffertje Pusher and don’t even make eye contact with the Stroop waffle Salesman.

I know I’m getting close because I start to hear the call from Maurice, 3^rd generation chicken guy from the Rylaarsdam Family.  “It’s all Chicken, It’s all €2.50!” he yells out...

Walking up I know I’m here for the “Classic.” Kip Broodje met Kaas.  I say hallo, order, pay, sit down, kick back and enjoy the show.

“Hoi Jongens, Hele Lekkere Broodjes!” or “Hey Guys, Very Tasty Sandwiches” shouts out from the “Commissioner of Cluck” as he’s greeted by local “street guys” who come to pay their respects to the “Kip Don Corleone.”

Presiding over the market like a “Chicken Auctioneer” on his “Podium of Poultry”, this “Chief of Chicken” calls out to everyone that passes!

 First in English, “Hello Sir, Good Afternoon, then in Spanish, “Hola, Buenos Dias”, Italian, “Buongiorno”, Dutch, “Goedmiddag”, Turkish, “Tünaydin”, French, “Bonne Aprùs-Midi”, then Portugese, “Boa Tarde.” “It’s all Chicken, It’s all €2.50”

Maurice hands me my Classic Kip Broodje met Kaas saying confidently, “Eet Smakelijk” or “Enjoy your Meal” as I salivate with excitement.

I sit back down, ready a handful of napkins, hunch over the table and take that first bite!

First things first, the Bread is as soft as “a baby’s ass!” Melted cheese on top, chunks of perfectly grilled rotisserie Chicken seasoned with Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Paprika and other “secret” spices touch my palate making me want to do the “Chicken Dance” we all know from back in the day!

For reference! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5sIspLfmXM in case you forgot! (Not me in the video)

But wait, I’m going to add some condiments. Having to choose from BBQ sauce, Cocktail sauce, Sweet Chili sauce, Mustard, Ketchup, Katjangsaus, Knoflooksaus (Garlic Sauce) or Mayonaise I decide to stay true to my Fat Kids roots and douse my broodje with Mayo. Het is op alles de lekkerste!

My second bite is better than the first, then my third, then fourth. I have a feeling that mayo and cheese are all over my face but I don’t care!

As I look up I see a friend, “Hey Joe, you’re here AGAIN!?” She says, “Yes! I love this place...” I reply. “Oh by the way, you have sh#% all over your face!”

Swallowing my pride and that last bite, I wipe my face clean, take a deep breath, improve my posture and stand up.

“Doei” I say as I start to walk away still enjoying the lasting taste of this magnificent sandwich.

6 days per week, 13 hours per day and countless numbers of chickens, this incredibly hard working family always has a smile on their faces and really knows how to prepare chicken.

Believe me, “Ik ben niet gek!” You must go to Benny’s Chicken for a “Classic” Kip Broodje met Kaas.