Out & About #178 | Somethin' Sweet 4 U

For those that have been following this space long enough, my complex appreciation for Halo Halo should not come as a surprise. Having only begun to take effect this past summer, it's only reasonable that I would extend my search for the best variation of the Filipino shaved ice into our presently very mild winter.

It should be mentioned that I'm gradually making my way through insauga's Top 5. Between Happy Birthday Cakes' chewy seasonal offering, Quiapo Quiapo's enormous, vividly-coloured portion, and B's awkward, sugar-laden version, I finally found myself trying out Somethin' Sweet 4 U.

The Filipino chain has four locations: three distributed throughout Mississauga and one in Brampton, bordering Mississauga and Toronto Pearson.
 
Ever since my failed attempt at attempting their version of the crushed ice dessert at the smaller shop on Rathburn, it was only fitting to visit their Heartland location to verify their making 3rd place on the list. Pulling up just shortly after 1 PM on a quiet, but blindingly bright Sunday afternoon allowed me to grasp a better understanding of their popularity in the area.

Approximately six times larger than their grab-and-go spot, the thoroughly purple restaurant comprised of a high ceiling, about 30 tables for dine-in customers, an ordering counter, and a vast selection of rotating sweets and baked goods.
I was definitely taken back that the lunch hour lineup spanned the combined length of the display counters. Nonetheless, the queue did not faze me; I stepped into line and took advantage of freshii's Wi-Fi (they were located next door, as was Bubble Tease).

Having had plenty of time to analyze their extensive menu options. I arrived at the cashier with a very clear idea of what I wished to order: Fresh Lumpia, Fish Balls, and, of course, Halo Halo.

The wait time was quite extensive, and understandably so; the kitchen had been thrown into a frenzy to accommodate the preparation of food for both takeout and dine-in customers, as well as plating and delivering meals for the customers that were already seated.

 The Halo Halo components were quick to compile, though the savoury items required approximately ten minutes. By the time the items (and their meticulously wrapped dipping sauces) emerged from the kitchen, a portion of the ube ice cream had already melted.

Service was spectacular though: genuine smiles were present on each staff member's face despite the chaotic atmosphere. Having assumed a similar position in the food service industry before, I couldn't help but feel bad that I was constantly blocking the connecting artery between the kitchen and the dining area. There was no distinct waiting area for takeout orders, which I suppose is a good indication that their market generally enjoys more leisurely meals.
(Admittedly, their dishes are plated rather nicely - something atypical of Filipino family-run restaurants.)

The entire food acquisition process required a total of forty minutes, leaving me beyond famished as I carried the food back to the car. I took a bite of Halo Halo first, then proceeded to open the other Styrofoam containers.
 
Ten tiny spheres were enclosed in the first: Fish Balls that had been priced at four dollars. I stabbed one using the included toothpick; it was on the soggy side and tasted somewhat deflated. Without opening the dipping sauce container, the lid was closed and the box was returned to the bag. Perhaps I'm simply accustomed to the springy, well-textured fish balls purchased for hot pot dinners, but I don't think I'll be trying this dish a second time.

The Fresh Lumpia, on the other hand, were unique and very filling. Generously stuffed with lettuce, carrots, peas, and other crunchy vegetables and wrapped tightly in a smooth egg crepe, the $2.00 rolls were ideal for curbing hunger without leaving behind feelings of guilt and over-satiation.

It was also accompanied with a tub of sweet, starch-thickened sauce with peanut influences, though the rolls were definitely flavourful enough to be devoured solo.

The remainder of the Halo Halo was enjoyed as the finishing touch to the meal. Somethin' Sweet 4 U had mastered the perfect ratio of crushed ice to condensed milk; the varying textures of the ice also added to the dessert's gustatory appeal. Void of toasted rice, leche flan (large portions were sold separately), and colourful cubed jellies, this Halo Halo combined the sweetness of red beans and a small scoop of jellies with a subtle ube-flavoured soft ice cream.

Unfortunately, I found this version to be lacking in comparison to that of Quiapo! Quiapo! It was messy to eat and mix, and didn't possess the same diversity of flavours; priced at $6.00 each, it also proved to be quite costly for its size.
 
That being said, Something Sweet 4 U has earned a special place in my heart for their Fresh Lumpia and friendly service. I anticipate dining within the spacious purple restaurant at a later date, and hopefully trying some of their other dishes as well!
(My only recommendation would be to allow customers to pay with credit – debit and cash aren't always the convenient forms of payment.)

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