Garrett's Popcorn - Is It Just Me???

Last weekend, after finding our favored location around the corner from the Chicago Theater closed, we stopped at the Garrett's on Madison and State for what's normally one of my ultimate snack craves - carmelcrisp. It only took a couple bites to realize that something was very wrong. Although it wasn't inedible, that familiar Garrett's taste was gone - my little 4 oz bag was nothing more than average (but still crispy)carmel corn. It seemed to lack the super caramelly, buttery taste I've come to know and love from Garrett's and I noticed that I hardly needed a napkin to get through the bag (again, a total aberration from the usual). My husband concurred. Has anybody else noticed this disturbing change or is it just me? I'm worried that the sale has already affected the quality of the product. Since our last visit, the entire store had been rehabbed (modernized) and I heard they're adding soda & expanding the number of stores (one to include the Metra station).

I'm willing to give them one more try or try a different location if other Hounds have noticed no change in quality. Otherwise, I'm done. It will no longer be worth the hassle or calories. Probably better for my health but I'm going to miss it!

[Breadcrumbs]

Love, love, love Garrett's! Generally I'm not a big fan of popcorn but Garrett's is the exception. I tried it on the recommendation of a colleague 8 yrs ago and whenever we're in Chicago (a couple of times a year) a stop at Garrett's is a must. The cheese/caramel blend, as absurd as it sounds, is our absolute favourite. Others try to replicate but Garrett's is tops in our books!

[ellenost]

+1 for Garrett's cheese/caramel blend. Tried the kettle corn, and found it didn't have much flavor.

[chicgail]

Yes, LAWoman. After six years it's probably just you. But this was fun anyway.

[nsxtasy]

It's rather difficult to diagnose a bad experience from six (!) years ago. All I can say is, I've had consistently great popcorn at all of the Garrett's locations I've tried, which are most of their Chicago-area locations. They pop their popcorn fresh at all their locations - including the ones at O'Hare (Terminals 1 and 3) - which is how they maintain their quality.

You can find a complete list of their locations on their website at www.garrettpopcorn.com

[TrishUntrapped]

Thanks for the update! Garrett's is SO on my list for my upcoming Chicago trip! '

[weinstein5]

I think it was the location - the Garrets at O'Hare one of my stops on the way out of town -

[iL Divo]

all of us just got Garrett's here in Chicago.
we all have our favorites and I got the caramel with pecans and almonds.
maybe today was an extra good day cause it's duh bom :)

While Garrett's is the name many people know, its the popcorn that keeps everyone coming back. For those of you on the (far)north end of town -- up around Great America -- stop in at Gurnee Mills near entrance B. There is a store there called Tropik Sun and they have caramel and cheese corn that may well get you thinking that Garrett's pales in comparison. It's awesomely good stuff - AND closer in distance for some of us and less expensive for all of us!! For those that like the mix - opt for the 'crazy corn'. You'll be hard pressed to find another reason to drive north a bit...... in fact, it may well be worth the trip JUST for the popcorn! A destination to definintely check out -- and shopping for the spouse = plentiful!!

You inspired me to pick up some CaramelCrisp at the Michigan Ave. location (the one next to Starbucks on the Mag Mile).

It was FANTASTIC - the same as always. Honestly, I tasted no difference from what I remember having about two months ago, just before the holidays. I probably pick up some caramel or a mini-mix (caramel & cheese, for those who haven't tried it) about once every other month, and the quality at the Michigan Ave. shop is consistent.

I read the description from Road Food and I would say it was spot on. What I devoured last night (and shared a little bit with the office mates) was heavenly, buttery, crisp with a deep caramel that both crunches and melts in your mouth...ahh! Don't give up Garrett's, just go North a little bit and I bet you'll be as happy as ever.

I have only been to the Garrett’s Popcorn on Michigan Ave. and I try and stop whenever I see a short line which doesn’t happen often.

I do believe, it is the only place on Michigan Ave. that has a guard to keep people out – once inside the door, the wait is still about 30 minutes.

I like the plain popcorn and my wife love the caramel corn – with either make sure that you have napkins.

I have never had a bad experience or popcosrn that I didn't like - just imagine the crowds if thay also served a cold brew!

Holy carp!!! Are you serious?!?? Oh how I wish you weren't serious. This makes for a major dilemma for me. Oh how I HATE lines, but oh how I LOVE caramel corn, and this stuff sounds devine! But a 30 minute wait - only after you've gotten through the line to get into the door??? How long can it take to scoop popcorn?!?!! My heart may be broken.

Any advice anyone?
Alison

If you are married, merely have your spouse do the line thing while you go shopping :~}

We have also had good luck with shorter lines later in the day or evening... Good luck and have fun in Chicago!

I am, and I daresay he might even agree to it just to keep me happy (I **really** hate lines!). Unfortunately, I'll be with Mom, not DH, and that just wouldn't be right! :-O

Later in the day/evening. I'll try.

And thanks for the well-wishes, it's looking to be a fabulous visit. (Wicked, Blue Man Group, Topolobampo, Santorino, Keefer's, tea at the Ritz, visiting with friends, shopping)

Alison

The Michigan ave one will be crowded. But try the one on Jackson and State. Relatively close to Wicked (maybe 3-4 block walk south). Less congested even during the holiday rush. (I work on Jackson). I always get the cheese and carmel mix. Cuts down on the sweetness of carmel and I don't know, it's just an awesome combo. Your hands will be orange after the cheese so bring wet naps!

The one on Michigan is great,but avoid Jackson Blvd very pasty cheese.
They are not all the same anymore.

The one on Michigan is great,but avoid Jackson Blvd very pasty cheese.
They are not all the same anymore.

nah, it's not pasty. but that's just my view.

Nice choices - especially Wicked - one clue for Wicked, pay close attention to the beginning and you will know the ending - it was one of the BEST (musical/comedy) shows that I've seen. You'll never look at the 'Wizzard of Oz' the same way after seeing Wicked!

I've never had any, but I work just a half block away. So purely in the interests of science, if someone will tell me what to order, and what qualities I am evaluating, I'll go get some this afternoon and make a report.

(I'm out of the office tomorrow, and all next week, so this is a time limited offer...)

I hope it isn't presumptious of me to answer, as I've never experienced it either, but since I've a vested interest in knowing the answer, and since yours is a time-sensitive offer, here goes! :o)

Here's a snippet from the review at Roadfood.com:

"Generally speaking, candy-coated popcorn is a trivial junk food. CaramelCrisp is serious and soulful, its taste and texture dramatically more important than any other kind of candied corn. In fact, it doesn’t really taste candied at all. The popcorn itself is a tender, earthy note within its caramel sheath, which is deeply buttery and has a dark flavor that teeters at the edge of tasting burnt. Like the singed crust atop a well-made crème brulee, the corn’s coat smacks of fire more than sugar."

Entire review can be seen at http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writeup.aspx?ReviewID=374&RefID=374

So, I'd say get the CaramelCrisp, compare it to what you're used to as "caramel corn", and see if it's a more soul-feeding experience than "just" caramel corn. (?
)
I'm assuming it's okay to reference Roadfood, since people referencing Chowhound there is how I ended up here! :-)
Alison

Link: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Write...

Well, unfortunately, I can't answer your question - as I'm a thousand miles away and have never had the stuff!

However, I do hope some will chime in with recent feedback soon, as Garrett's is one of the places I was looking forward to hitting on my upcoming visit, and I'd hate to be disappointed!

Kind regards,
Alison

[Querencia]

Alison, you have something to look forward to. It tells you something when the line of people waiting to buy Garrett's snakes out the door and down the street in a snowstorm.

[TrishUntrapped]

Alison visited six years ago. But I'm glad this thread was resurrected for those of us visiting soon.

While I haven't had Garrett's in about two months, the last couple of times I did get it, it was fabulous. I have not noticed a change--still needed multiple napkins to get through my bag o' mini mix. Hopefully, your visit was an aberration.

Garrett will soon open another location - in the Citicorp Center at 500 W. Madison St.