SEATTLE — In Seattle’s oldest market something new and smooth is being served.
"We are at the Pike Place Market and this place is called Hellenika Cultured Creamery," said co-owner Pete Apostolopoulos. "My brother and my father started Ellenos down in the market about 10 years ago, they make Yogurt there. Here we make cultured gelato. A cultured gelato is based with a blend of cultures similar to yogurt, but different."
"Each culture has its own certain taste so when you blend them all, each has their own characteristic," said co-founder Alex Apostolopoulos.
The cultures Hellenika uses are more understated than those used in traditional yogurt. That means the tangy taste is less intense and more flavorful.
"What we do special here is we make it right in machine right in front of people and serve the gelato straight out of the machine as fresh as it can get," said Pete. "Right here at the front case we do 11 different flavors, and they are constantly being swapped out with new flavors. Our most popular flavor right now is the ubi coconut. Ubi is a purple yam that comes from the Philippines. It's got a really great blend of sweet, and earthiness and I mix that with coconut."
Alex adds, “It's not your common ice cream shop flavors. We try to really push the boundaries of what could be a frozen dessert."
So far people are liking where Hellenika Cultured Creamery are taking them.
"The reception we've gotten from the public has been really, really heartwarming. We've got lots of returning customers saying they love the product," said Alex. "We're always encouraging people to try. The Greek influence is also the family influence so when you come to a Greek place you're always encouraged to eat and leave full. So we want people to come in try as much as they can and maybe experience something they never had anywhere else."
KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Email.