With its timeworn floors, tidy shelves and OSB counter, this shop fits like a glove in the gentrified Schaerbeek neighborhood. The shopkeeper in question? Alexis Geeraert, the former manager of an organic supermarket who dreamed of running his own. Occupy your afternoon by quizzing him about natural wine, and he’ll fill you in on his 110 different bottles (from Italy, Greece, Spain, Austria… but mainly France) that he’d cuddle endearingly if he could. He’s a great little wine merchant who also knows local beers, even if liquid joys represent only 5% of the shelves. He’s got everything you need, from loose vegetables to herbal teas, not to mention the Hopla Geiss bread, Brouillon stocks, Seminibus gluten-free crackers, fresh birch sap from Ma Forêt, and spicy neo-condiments from Swet and 203. He’s got a fine eye for fine goods, we’re telling you. // Salty Lychee
THE HIDDEN GEM: Chocolow, the Brussels-made spread featuring hazelnuts, dark chocolate and… carrots (€5.40 for 155g).
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