This morning I had to go to the hardware store in Bergen, and on the way back I stopped off for some bread at the bakery on Oosterweg in Bergen. They had something called Bergense Bosbrood (Bergen’s Forestbread) so we had to try that…
While there, I also finally investigated a sign that stands outside the bakery for Vers Gerookte Paling en Makreel (Fresh Smoked Eel & Mackerel). It turns out that there is a gentleman who has a retail outlet (aka his garage) for traditional Dutch-style smoked eel and mackerel just next door.
This is the situation: if you are facing the bakery Velton (Oosterweg 17), just to the left of the building is a driveway. Walk down the driveway and you come to a garage. From the garage ceiling, there is a hanging bell. If no one is there, you are supposed to ring the bell for service. 
Despite the central Bergen location, the seller appeared to be a fisherman. There was fishing equipment in his garage and a boat – so that seemed like a good sign. I was going to ask him more questions, but his accent was so thick I had trouble understanding him.
For product, the gentleman offered me a bag with three eels (skin still on). I told him I’ve never cleaned eel – he said it was already cleaned. Still, I’m used to eel filets and so I tried a smoked mackerel instead. It was a lovely golden color and had a smoky aroma. The cost was 3.95 euros.
For lunch, the one smoked “local” mackerel fed four of us. We had it on Bergense Bosbrood with horseradish, tomato & cucumber slices – absolutely delicious!
Next time, I plan to try the eel…
To find this local product, look for the “Makreel & Paling” sign by De Velton Bakery:
Oosterweg 17, 1862 KB Bergen
The Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen (Outdoor Center for Schoorl’s Dunes) has a lovely visitor center that hosts regular activities to educate the public about nature and the special dune habitat in Schoorl and Bergen.
