Garrett Popcorn
The question I am about to ask will either begin a wave of nodding heads, or cause you to shake your head in disgust. Have you ever watched a food episode like “Top 5” or “Unwrapped”, and imagined how wonderful it would be to try whatever food they are broadcasting? Well on my recent trip to New York, I finally had the chance to experience that dream, and the outcome was fantastic.
It all started long time ago while watching a program on the Food Network. The host was raving about Garrett Popcorn from Chicago, and how the Chicago Mix (a mixture of caramel coated and cheese popcorn) is the ultimate popcorn snack. I quickly went to the website hoping to place an order, but as many Canadian’s can relate, the shipping cost was ridiculous, almost matching the cost of the popcorn itself. For years I waited for a sign of hope, maybe a flagship store in Edmonton (I think my chances of winning the lottery are greater), or maybe a colleague passing by the windy city, but the opportunity never came. When finally, a layover in Chicago made my dreams come true.
The experience began when the popcorn shop conveniently caught my eye while I briskly dragged my carry-on bags from one gate to the other. I sauntered to the clear glass displays of popcorn, and without even looking at the menu, ordered a Chicago Mix. Cheese popcorn was scooped first into the bag, followed by a healthy addition of caramel popcorn, filling the bag almost to the brim. Ummm, how are you going to mix them together I said to myself. Then, like watching a graceful performance at the theatre, with 2 fingers gently clasping the bottom of the bag, with the other hand holding the upper flap, the man started to toss the brightly coated corn in a rhythmic, circular motion. Within seconds the once obviously separated golden and orange puffs blended into one. Clutching my bag of little treasures, I found a place to sit and opened the bag as if I were opening my Christmas present. I impatiently tried a cheese kernel, not bad I thought to myself slightly disappointed, but nothing phenomenal. I tried a caramel, the coating was delicious with strong caramel flavor, successfully sticking to the entire kernel. Very tasty, but still nothing ground breaking. Then I had an epiphany, “what am I doing”, I said out loud, “it’s a Chicago Mix, eat them together!” With slight uncertainty, I grabbed one of each flavor. I thought, maybe my expectations are too high because of the anticipation. Why do I place so much trust in my television?! I chewed slowly, savoring the flavors, then ate a couple more, and then another two. It was delicious! The explosion of salty and sweet flavors was addicting, causing a nonstop desire for more. As my appetite became content, I experimented with different combinations of caramel to cheese. As the sweet caramel candy was more dominating, I agreed on a 1 to 2 ratio. I slid into my seat, more than satisfied with my experience.
I had lived a small part of the foodie dream.
