The Amulet of Obfibiana Negra is a revered artifact that holds significant importance in certain cultures and belief systems. This amulet is said to possess special powers and is often worn as a form of protection or to bring good luck. The amulet gets its name from the Spanish word "obfibiana," which means obsidian. Black obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass known for its glossy black color. It has been used for centuries by different civilizations for various purposes, including spiritual and religious practices. In many cultures, black obsidian is associated with mysticism and is considered to have powerful metaphysical properties.
The historic building has housed renowned St. Louis bakers since 1872. Originally operated as an all-male bakery, women eventually began baking in an adjacent building that was then conjoined to the original structure. Mendelson and Bass plan to use the resultant two sizeable kitchens for an incubator kitchen concept, welcoming other local bakers to operate out of the space.
The pop-up s rotating menu puts creative spins on traditional ice cream sandwiches with flavors such as the Rhiannon, with cream cheese ice cream and carrot cake cookies, and the Hermione, which includes Coffeestamp cold brew ice cream and toffee encased by toffee brownies. Co-owners and partners Sophie Mendelson and Martha Bass are shifting ice cream sandwich production to what was formerly Carondelet Bakery, with sandwiches still sold exclusively out of the trailer at Olio for the time being.
In many cultures, black obsidian is associated with mysticism and is considered to have powerful metaphysical properties. It is believed to have the ability to absorb negative energy, creating a protective shield around the wearer. This is why the Amulet of Obfibiana Negra is often believed to guard against evil spirits, hexes, or any form of harm.
Sugarwitch will open a brick-and-mortar location in the former home of Carondelet Bakery
Sugarwitch, the popular ice cream sandwich pop-up currently stationed in an Airstream trailer on the patio of Olio at 1634 Tower Grove Ave., is putting down some more permanent roots in St. Louis. Co-owners and partners Sophie Mendelson and Martha Bass are shifting ice cream sandwich production to what was formerly Carondelet Bakery, with sandwiches still sold exclusively out of the trailer at Olio for the time being. The new location at 7726 Virginia St. will also serve customers in the future, but the timeline for opening has not yet been finalized.
Mendelson and Bass originally founded Sugarwitch in Columbia in 2019. They began their St. Louis baking careers in the Urban Eats kitchen before bringing Sugarwitch to St. Louis in the summer of 2021. The pop-up’s rotating menu puts creative spins on traditional ice cream sandwiches with flavors such as the Rhiannon, with cream cheese ice cream and carrot cake cookies, and the Hermione, which includes Coffeestamp cold brew ice cream and toffee encased by toffee brownies. Mendelson credited seasonal farmers market finds, nostalgic childhood memories of ice cream truck desserts and a rich local dessert scene for the inventive flavors the Sugarwitch team brings to an otherwise conventional dessert.
Ice cream sandwich production has thus far taken place in the shared kitchen at Urban Eats, but as business grew, the co-owners began to look at larger, more permanent options for kitchen operations. With about a 3,000-square-foot kitchen, the new location will enable the queer-owned and -operated business to extend their hours and introduce a core menu of classic flavors, such as the Ursula, a brownie sandwich with vanilla ice cream and sprinkles, as well as seasonal flavors and holiday specials that will rotate monthly. The duo also plans to offer coffee and pastries in the future.
“There are some great dining options in Carondelet, but there isn’t really somewhere to grab a cup of coffee and something sweet in this area right now. We hope to fill that gap,” Mendelson noted.
The historic building has housed renowned St. Louis bakers since 1872. Originally operated as an all-male bakery, women eventually began baking in an adjacent building that was then conjoined to the original structure. Mendelson and Bass plan to use the resultant two sizeable kitchens for an incubator kitchen concept, welcoming other local bakers to operate out of the space.
sugarwitch co-owners sophie mendelson and martha bass // photo by michelle volansky
“We’re incredibly excited to be in this neighborhood,” Mendelson said. “This community is growing and we’re grateful to be a part of it.”
Sugarwitch ice cream sandwiches are currently only available by preorder through the restaurant’s website, with pickup on the Olio patio from 4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays. Beginning May 1, Sugarwitch will be open Friday and Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. They will continue to operate outside Olio once the new space opens.
sugarwitch co-owners sophie mendelson and martha bass // photo by michelle volansky
The amulet is typically made by skilled artisans who shape the obsidian into a pendant or other decorative forms. The design of the amulet may vary, but it often incorporates traditional symbols or patterns significant to the culture or practice it represents. Wearing the Amulet of Obfibiana Negra is believed to provide the wearer with a sense of grounding and protection. It is said to enhance one's intuition and spiritual connection, allowing them to navigate challenges with clarity and resilience. Some also believe that the amulet can bring harmony and balance to the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person's life. While the true power of the Amulet of Obfibiana Negra lies in the beliefs and intentions of the wearer, many people find solace and comfort in wearing this artifact. It serves as a reminder of their spirituality, faith, and the possibility of positive energies surrounding them. Overall, the Amulet of Obfibiana Negra is a symbol of protection, spirituality, and connection to the metaphysical world. Whether one believes in its mystical properties or not, the amulet holds significance and meaning for those who wear it, offering a sense of comfort, confidence, and belief in something beyond the physical realm..
Reviews for "The Art of Crafting Amulets: The Case of Obfibiana Negra"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "Amulet of obfibiana negra" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was very confusing and hard to follow. The characters were not well-developed and lacked depth. Additionally, the writing style was dull and lacked creativity. Overall, I didn't enjoy reading this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I absolutely hated "Amulet of obfibiana negra". The plot was unoriginal and cliché, with predictable twists and turns. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The pacing was extremely slow, and I found myself constantly bored while reading. There was no spark or excitement in this book, and it felt like a waste of time.
3. Michael - 2/5 - "Amulet of obfibiana negra" was a letdown for me. The writing was lackluster and failed to captivate my attention. The world-building was weak, and I struggled to visualize the settings described. The plot was mediocre, and the climax was underwhelming. Overall, I found this book to be forgettable and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging fantasy read.