I just walked out of the Garrett Popcorn store at the northwest corner of State and Jackson. The store has been in business here in Chicago for over 50 years. In my hands are freshly-popped 8 oz. bags of cheese and caramel popcorn. I wish there was something more than words in an e-mail to describe the smells and sounds that surrounded me in the 10 minutes I waited for my order. The toasty aroma of corn kernals popping mixed with the smells from vats hot caramel and cheese coating had me salivating by the time I got to the register. I almost suspect it's by design that they make you wait in this environment so you are compelled to buy a bigger bag of product. Curiously, there was a sign on the counter specifically forbidding the use of cellphones and phonecams in the store due to privacy concerns. Pervs like popcorn too.

- mike lee -