Susana Placha was born in Prague, but has lived in Lanzarote for almost 30 years. Passionate about gastronomy, she has started several hospitality businesses on the island and currently runs the gourmet store specializing in wines, Algomás Vinoteca Gourmet y Artesanía, in Arrecife and the La Vela cafeteria, in La Marina in the island's capital.
In an interview with the radio program of Radio Lanzarote-Onda Cero Más de Uno Gourmet, Placha explains her business philosophy and reviews all the gourmet products offered in her store.
- How did the idea of opening the gourmet store come about?
I came to Lanzarote in 1997 and in 2016 I opened my first business, the Strava Bar, which is still running in the hands of Mario and Raquel.
I have always been passionate about cooking and local gourmet products. That's why I decided to open the store in 2018. I think the first thing we should consume is local produce, even for our health, and Lanzarote has a lot to offer.
- What product could not be missing in your business?
The wines of Lanzarote. You can go to the wineries, and there are many wines that you can drink in the restaurant, but you can't buy them. That's why I thought of a store specializing in wine and products with which to create a snack with local products such as cheese, biscuits and chocolates.
- Are all the wines of Lanzarote in your store?
We have wine from almost all the wineries yes, and if not, the customer can order it and we get it for them. We also do home delivery and have an online store.
- What other local products can we find in your store?
We have jam, liqueurs, gofio, honey, mojos, vinaigrette, olive oil, vinegar, beers...
- What about from outside the island?
We have chocolates, wines from various denominations, we have French champagne, cavas, beers from other islands and the peninsula, pates, preserves...
- There are also handicrafts...
Yes, we collaborate with many artisans from Lanzarote. We have, for example, the island's hats, jewelry pieces, natural products such as aloe, etc.
- Who are your main customers?
Against all odds, the majority are people from here, which for me is very beautiful and very rewarding.
- What feedback do you receive from customers?
I think they consider us quite competitive with the issue of prices. They also really like the gift baskets and the advice we give on the products. We do personalized work and adjusted to all budgets.
- Have you also set up a cafeteria in La Marina?
Yes, it's called La Vela Café. It came about because La Marina seems like a very nice place to go, meet and have a drink. We have breakfasts, artisan ice creams, smoothies, artisan cakes that we make there, and we also have very good coffee.
- What are the opening hours of the two businesses?
The store is on Calle José Molina number 8 in front of the main boulevard parking lot. We are open from Monday to Friday, we do not close at noon, and Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00.
The cafeteria is open every day. Monday and Tuesday from 7:00 to 14:00 and the rest of the week until 19:00.
- What are your social networks?
We have Instagram, facebook and the online store.
