Have you Hurd... You now have one less reason to fly through O'Hare Airport...

As any frequent traveler knows, there are a plethora of reasons to not fly through O'Hare Airport in Chicago if it can be avoided.  It seems that over the years, the airport has become known as the place where connecting flights are delayed so frequently, I wonder if Gene Roddenberry envisioned his first rift in the space time continuum while stuck interminably at the gate.

As bad as it could be from the on-time travel perspective, O'Hare possesses one great thing that every other airport in the world can only dream of.  If you've ever spent time at the United terminal there, I bet you know exactly what I mean. A GARRETT POPCORN SHOP!   I consider their CaramelCrisp popcorn to be one of the Seven Wonders of my snack food world.  I have payed a king's ransom to many friends over the years to pick some up for me as they pass through the airport.  I will not divulge my sources for fear of starting a bidding war for their logistical support.  I know I am not alone in this obsession either.  The prices they charge to get a tin of it delivered is patently obscene, but folks are more than willing to pay it.  Over and over again.

Well, it seems my fever has broken.  I found a local shop that also offers some FABULOUS caramel popcorn.  Shirley calls it Caramel to Die For and having tasted it, I wholeheartedly agree.  You can buy a variety of flavors by the bag or by the tin (tins refilled at a steep discount).  They pop and flavor enhance the popcorn right in the store on a continual basis.

I encourage you to sign up for their email club.  I did and immediately received my first benefit. When I handed in the registration card, the sales associate diligently read over my entries and promptly wished me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and offered me a free small bag of my favorite flavor.  Since we had already secured a large bag of Caramel to Die For and a small bag of Dark Chocolate and Salty Caramel, I went for the Caramel Nut Cluster.  When asked if I planned to enjoy it immediately, I said "YES!"   She was kind enough to fill the bag all the way to the top, rather than leaving some room to seal the bag.  It was good that she did.  I munched away on it while walking to the car and might have emptied the bag completely if not for the extra generous portion.

I am not going to say it beats Garrett's, but it is definitely in the money.  And the location is in nearby Westerville.  I may never fly through O'Hare again.  Thanks Shirley.  (big smile)


Your Dining Scout and Shadetree Chef,
Michael Hurd, aka Big Mike

http://www.shirleyspopcorn.com/

15 North State Street
Westerville, OH 43081