New: Tins & Fins, the very first Dutch ‘conserveria’ in Amsterdam
Sustainable fish expert Bart van Olphen is opening the very first Dutch ‘conserveria’ this Thursday. The sleekly designed Tins & Fins shop on the Prinsengracht sells only the very best tinned fish. Sardines and cod, of course, but also tuna ventresca, cockles, octopus, salmon and razor clams.
Canned fish is more popular than ever. It is not only the unique designs that make tinned fish so appealing; the briny contents are also increasingly appreciated.
Oily fish
In principle, all types of fish, crustaceans and shellfish can be preserved in tins or jars. Still, you more often find oily fish varieties. Their higher fat content keeps the fish tender and flavorful, even after years of storage. Moreover, oily fish are better able to withstand the sterilization processes, because their firm texture is less likely to be damaged or dry out. An added benefit is that preserving fattier fish deepens and intensifies the flavor, making it often rich and umami-like.
Fish and art
Tins & Fins has a unique selection. It consists of the finest tinned fish from small local sustainable fisheries and fish producers. They developed some of the preserves together with Bart, especially for the shop. In the finest Mediterranean tradition, they are packaged in beautiful designs created by the undisputed queen of tinned-fish art, Ana Lisa Luças. The Portuguese artist’s pen drawings are colorful, modern, stylish and bold. Luças was given free rein to create the designs.
Trend: tinned fish
‘Conservas’ are part of the cultural food heritage in regions such as Porto, Lisbon and Bilbao, and interest in the craft and in small, sustainable quality businesses grew enormously at the beginning of this century. Bart wrote two bestsellers about it, which were particularly successful in the US. When American influencer Ali Hooke started ‘tinned fish datenight’ during the pandemic, the trend was complete. Before long, ‘conserverias’ opened on Times Square in New York, at Borough Market in London and in several chic neighborhoods in Paris. And now in our own Amsterdam too.
Opening of Tins and Fins
Tins and Fins will be festively opened on Thursday afternoon, January 16, with bubbles, fado, art and tinned fish. All tinned fish will be sold exclusively in the shop and through a special Fish Tales webshop. And then: time to get cooking! Tinned fish is often underestimated, but besides the familiar tuna salad or pasta with salmon, it offers a wealth of possibilities in the kitchen.
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