Latest news with #UniversalGrocery
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
New dessert bar makes special halo-halo and spicy slushies in the ByWard Market
Article content Article content Siopao, a Filipino stuffed bun, anchors the savoury side of the menu. Traditionally steamed, the buns at Sweet Puspin are baked — a decision that has opened the door to heartier fillings. Article content 'When it's steamed, you can only do so much,' said Sartzetakis's husband, Chris, who handles the rotating flavours. 'The second we started baking it, I realized how much fusion I'm able to actually put into it.' Article content The baked dough has a gentle chew and light sweetness. The result is closer to a pizza pocket than a bao — though softer and fresher. It's light enough to eat one-handed but satisfying enough to count as lunch. Hungrier customers might opt for the three-for-$10 special. Article content Chicken and pork adobo make regular appearances, along with pizza-inspired siopao that make a familiar starting point for newer palates. Vegetarian options rotate in and out, and there are plans to bring in jackfruit barbecue and other Filipino staples down the line. Article content Article content Article content 'I still feel like I'm going to wake up and this was just all a dream,' said Sartzetakis. Article content In May, Sartzetakis was selling her desserts out of a pop-up in Universal Grocery when a nearby space unexpectedly opened up — formerly Maverick's Donuts, next to the La Pointe in the Market. Article content The shop is an especially welcome addition downtown after the closure of Tamis Café last year. Article content For Filipino customers, the flavours will likely recall childhood snacks. Others may point at things they've never tried before and walk out with a new favourite. Article content The space evoked a childlike curiosity in me, wanting whatever colourful concoction looked interesting behind the glass. As Chris puts it, 'every spoonful lets you take that moment to escape adulthood.'
Ottawa Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
New dessert bar makes special halo-halo and spicy slushies in the ByWard Market
Article content Article content Siopao, a Filipino stuffed bun, anchors the savoury side of the menu. Traditionally steamed, the buns at Sweet Puspin are baked — a decision that has opened the door to heartier fillings. Article content 'When it's steamed, you can only do so much,' said Sartzetakis's husband, Chris, who handles the rotating flavours. 'The second we started baking it, I realized how much fusion I'm able to actually put into it.' Article content The baked dough has a gentle chew and light sweetness. The result is closer to a pizza pocket than a bao — though softer and fresher. It's light enough to eat one-handed but satisfying enough to count as lunch. Hungrier customers might opt for the three-for-$10 special. Article content Chicken and pork adobo make regular appearances, along with pizza-inspired siopao that make a familiar starting point for newer palates. Vegetarian options rotate in and out, and there are plans to bring in jackfruit barbecue and other Filipino staples down the line. Article content Article content 'I still feel like I'm going to wake up and this was just all a dream,' said Sartzetakis. Article content In May, Sartzetakis was selling her desserts out of a pop-up in Universal Grocery when a nearby space unexpectedly opened up — formerly Maverick's Donuts, next to the La Pointe in the Market. Article content The shop is an especially welcome addition downtown after the closure of Tamis Café last year. Article content For Filipino customers, the flavours will likely recall childhood snacks. Others may point at things they've never tried before and walk out with a new favourite. Article content The space evoked a childlike curiosity in me, wanting whatever colourful concoction looked interesting behind the glass. As Chris puts it, 'every spoonful lets you take that moment to escape adulthood.'
