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Kukuruza Gourmet Popcorn
Category: Food Specialty Food Specialty Food [Edit]
215 Pike St(between 2nd Ave & 3rd Ave)
Seattle, WA 98101
Neighborhood: Downtown
(206) 623-8000
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Chole h. said: "My Husband and I came in with a generous gift card we were given by a friend as a gift. We were able to purchase two meals for two and an amazing bottle of Rockridge Orchards cider! Yes the prices are quite high for the amount of food…" read more »
79 reviews for Kukuruza Gourmet Popcorn
Review Highlights
"Buffalo Wing and Blue Cheese Flavored Popcorn."
(in 3 reviews)
"...to grab a freshly made batch (caramel still hot and melty..."
(in 31 reviews)
"I tried the chipotle cheddar cheese and it was just okay."
(in 5 reviews)
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79 reviews in English
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Review from Minh D.
If you love popcorn in all kinds of flavors then please stop here. Sure it's gourmet popcorn and pricier than your Orville Redenbacher's microwavable kind, but it tastes exponentially better too.
21 flavors of popcorn! http://s3-media2.px.ye...
I tried s'mores. It had marshmallow and chocolate goodness with every bite! Even some graham crackers too. Addicting and once you pop, you can't stop!
Sweet, salty, plain.. whatever your tastebuds want, they'll have it.
It's a few blocks from Pike Place Market. I salivate thinking about it. -
Review from Olga L.
2/8/2012
Yes, I'm the crazy lady that (now) pays a toll to cross the bridge, head to Seattle just to buy popcorn. Yup, same crazy lady that walks out of this place with at least 4 or 5 LARGE bags of this amazing stuff. Whaaaat?? That's because if I'm crossing a dang expensive bridge for popcorn, I'm going to get my money's worth.
I like popcorn but I love Kukuruza's popcorn - especially the sweet stuff. My absolute favorite is their Tuxedo flavor: it's a combination of carmel popcorn with swirls of both milk and white chocolate. It's sweet but not overly sweet and I can crunch away for quite some time until I force myself to count the calories I just inhaled. My other favorites are the Hawaiian salted caramel (YUMMMM), Rocky Road (which is a Tuxedo with marshmallow fluff and nuts) and Kettle Chocolate.
They always have a flavor of the day - like on the day I went it was Apple Pie. Although that sounded really good, I had to stay focused on my mission for the day and my 5 big bags of favorites. I haven't found a flavor that I truly didn't like here so if you're a lover of sweet, savory or somewhere in between, you'll find one that you'll fall in love with.
They have several sizes - with smallest being a sample bag and the largest being about a gallon large. Prices aren't bad and they even give you a frequent buying card so I've got 3 more purchases and I get one free. That will make crossing over the bridge much easier next time! -
Review from Kara K.
12/28/2011
After ordering from The Popcorn Palace in Chicago last year, I decided to give another popcorn shop a go this holiday season.
I ordered the sampler pack (8 small bags for $20...good deal!), so my husband and I could taste a lot of Kukuruza's flavors. We also ordered a bag of their "ReZeRv" flavor (Truffle Fromage Porcini).
Some flavors were tastier (Jalapeno Cheddar, Chicago Mix, Coconut Macaroon) than others (Brandied Eggnog and Buffalo Blue Cheese (which tasted nothing like "buffalo", but more like caramel)). Also, the ReZeRv flavor was WAY too salty, which was a big disappointment because I am the biggest fan of anything with a truffle flavor. They may want to rework the overall flavor profile of this popcorn...it was honestly like a salt lick.
Overall, the popcorn did the job for the holiday season, but I'm thinking next year I may be giving another popcorn place a chance. -
Review from Jacque R.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2011
I canot stand this place because every time I go to Seattle I end up being drawn here (rain, sleet, or rain!) and buying up half the inventory!
Didn't have the interest to try the seasonal pumpkin but love the raspberry coated with white chocolate - over all the people are really friendly and helpful too. Tomorrow I go into my doctor's office to get the Kukuruza homing beacon removed...I hope! -
Review from Heather S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Another one of my MUST GO-TO places when I'm in Seattle. I've tried a bunch of their flavors, but my hands down favorite is still the Hawaiian salted caramel corn. I always bring some back for friends!
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Review from VenturaRossMan K.
Ventura, CA
1/2/2012
Was a bit weary until I tried this popcorn, yum, looking forward to more. Really liked the combo of popcorn and chocolate.
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Review from Pui S.
Hawaiian Sea Salt ---- Booyah!
A little over priced but pretty dang good!
Free sample --- and they have plenty for you to try!!!
:) -
Review from Brandon T.
Portland, OR
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
There service was kind, quick and cool under pressure. I was surprised that I got my order in less than 5 minutes because this place was busy. The thing is that the smells just act like a human magent and no one can resist it without needing at least a double take as they walk by.
Since I have only been here once, I'll say that you need to get what I got and that was the caramel popcorn. You're probably are safe ordering any of the other flavours but this one was particularly delicious.
The only problem is that the price is a little high, especially because you'll need to get two bags to reach optimum levels of satisfaction. -
Review from Marilyn V.
Seattle, WA
10/31/2011
I really want to give this place a good review, but their customer service is terrible. I have been coming to this shop since they opened and have had great experiences in the past, until the last few times I stopped in. The workers behind the counter have given me attitude, like I was an idiot for talking about Garrett's popcorn in Chicago.
I mentioned that their Chicago mix was similar to Garrett's in Chicago, to the friend I was with, and that it was the closest I could get around here. The guy behind the counter interrupts with, "ours is better." Umm...no one asked you, but thanks for butting into my conversation that I wasn't having with you. He continued to have an attitude with me when I asked for a sample, as if I didn't know anything about popcorn. I decided to say thanks and then leave the shop without purchasing anything.
I want to give their actual product 4 stars, because I do think it's good gourmet popcorn for Seattle. However, the last few customer service experiences just got me. How can they keep customers if their employees are rude, have attitudes and make snide comments? No thanks, I'll just order from Garrett's online. -
Review from Jerry L.
10/31/2011
Shhhhhhh.. my guilty pleasure after work treat. The savory and sweet combo of Carmel Corn and Cheddar Cheese is delicious. I'm afraid to ask the caloric count but damn is this good. I highly recommend.
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Review from Carol Y.
Santa Clara, CA
12/27/2011
I made a trip to visit this shop for the first time and bought a large size of their cheese with jalapeno popcorn and while the first half of the bag were beautiful large popcorn the last half or perhaps fourth of the bag were literally crumbs! Hopefully the large tin gift popcorn was not. This has happened to me once before with a mail order popcorn from Denver and I have not ordered from them since. This was a huge disappointment to me. Perhaps the scoop they gave me was the bottom of the barrel of their batch.
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Review from Cindi G.
Renton, WA
12/28/2011
This is the best popcorn I've ever had! Fresh, big kernels and the most awesome blend of flavors!!! Highly recommended!
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Review from Thai D.
Updated - 4/30/2011
The five star is for my new favorite popcorn mix. Jalapeno Cheddar and Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel. So tasty! Ask them to mix them together, and tell me the combination doesn't rock the reservation!
Go in and try a sample of any and all of the flavors. You won't be able to leave without ordering a bag. Very friendly staff, too!Listed in: Lunch Downtown
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/27/2009
I've been walking past this place for months, having a sample of their caramel and cheddar mix,… Read more »
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Review from Adelina W.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
We walked by this place twice and never even bothered to look through the window. The only reason we stopped here was because a food tour stopped. We figured it must be good or at least decent if a food tour was going to make a stop.
They were short handed the day we went in, so we waited a while for service but we didn't mind. We got to look at all the different flavors they had and they were sure interesting. Caramel bacon popcorn?! It was actually pretty good. Caramel Cheddar? I dislike cheese, but I thought that tasted pretty good too. It's worth a stop if you're in the area. They sell small sample sized bags if you want to try a little of everything. If they don't have the flavor bagged, they will put one together for you. -
Review from Kelly M.
Honolulu, HI
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love love love popcorn and this place has a GREAT selection of different flavored popcorns. My favorite has to be the jalapeño cheddar because it's cheesy with a little kick of spice. I think I bought five bags of different flavors to bring home to friends and family. It is a bit pricey but if you love popcorn as much as I do it is worth the price.
The staff is very helpful and nice. Considering how many bags of popcorn I bought the man who helped me still did it with a smile on his face :).
Oh and best part of all free samples!! -
Review from Jen P.
Seattle, WA
2/21/2011
LOVE this place.
First, the flavors are awesome--whether you're in the mood for sweet or savory, they succeed in both directions. I am particular to the more carmelly versions: the maple bacon, the rocky road, pralines and caramel. I also love the texture. They air pop all their kernels, and use the kernels that pop into little puffballs, which makes for more flavor coverage!
The staff is delightful--hard to find sometimes in this town, especially on a holiday weekend when the boss is gone for the day. But really kind, friendly, funny, and more than happy to dole out tasters so you can decide what you're really in the mood for. Our 2 bags only lasted about 24 hours--and that took some restraint. -
Review from Tess E.
San Bruno, CA
9/9/2011
Walking along Pike's Street, the smell coming from Kukuruza was so enticing we had to come in. They had a lot of great flavors, but ultimately stuck with caramel--though I wish we did sample more. Luckily we were able to grab a freshly made batch (caramel still hot and melty)---it was addictingly good. If you love popcorn, you must check this place out!
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Review from Minda w.
Updated - 10/12/2010
You'd think that after overdosing on $30 worth of popcorn last time that I'd have learned my lesson. Nope. I came back and this time I got chocolate peanut butter. I guess the partial lesson learned is that I stuck to the small instead of XXL. I love chocolate peanut butter! Best flavor EVER!
10% off with PAX badge. Sweet!Listed in: My Third Home - Seattle
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/23/2010
The smell definitely drew me into this fine popcorn establishment. Then it was the 20+ types of… Read more »
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Review from Phong D.
8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't consider myself to be a popcorn connoisseur. I had no idea that gourmet popcorn existed. This place is the real deal! They offer so many different flavors. I sampled nearly all of them before carefully choosing 4 flavors for the ride back home. The complex, chocolaty flavors like s'mores and coconut macaroon were my favorite.
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Review from Lisa P.
Livingston, NJ
4/26/2011
This place ROCKS!
We went back three times during our week long stay in Seattle because we kept eating the popcorn that we had purchased to take home with us. And they have every flavor you could want on some popcorn and then some.
We loved the jalapeno cheddar and the raspberry white chocolate popcorn. I loved the maple bacon but it kinda creeped the BF out. You are able to try every type that they have there and you definitely should. I am also a big fan of the S'mores flavor. -
Review from Amanda Z.
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Was wandering around downtown, headed towards Pacific Place, and noticed all of the popcorn in the window. They have yummy, unique popcorn flavors! Got the cheddar jalapeno, it had a bite! I think it would be difficult to specifically go to this location just to pick up the popcorn (no parking), but it was the perfect snack to take on the go!
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Review from Jamie J.
8/28/2010
Good popcorn, great energy, but not Garrett's.
So, here's the deal. I'm from Chicago and we have the best popcorn in the world - Garrets popcorn. Therefore my par level is just about unreachable. It's not fair. Garrett's has no competition - they are their own competition.
HOWEVER, I do have to say, that besides Garrett's this popcorn is the best that I've had in years. They use two different type of corn. I would rather them use less of the really round kerns, because they get a tad chewy faster, and use more traditional clover style corn.
Their flavors are unique and bold - and the combinations are intriguing. They do use caramel as their base for many of their flavors, which I personally think could use a little more thought.
The staff is great, though. The energy is flowing. I like this place; and I will be back - only when I don't have access to Garrett's, though!
The name is cute too; it means corn in Russian!Listed in: Tongue Pleasers - Dessert
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Review from Lisa I.
Montgomery Village, MD
1/16/2011
I kind of consider myself a flavored popcorn connoisseur, and this place has fantastic popcorn! I received a sample from the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau, and it completely sold me. I went to the store myself and shipped back 4 bags to home on the east coast.
As others have noted, they use the round popcorn rather than a mix (like you get in a self-pop bag at home). I'm not sure if this makes for chewier popcorn, but it didn't seem stale or too chewy to me. I've had the Jalapeno Cheddar (awesome, not too spicy), regular Cheddar (addictive, try not to eat the whole bag), Rocky Road (caramel base with yummy chocolate), Bruschetta (interesting...), Caramel (super solid classic, doesn't get stuck in your teeth), and Raspberry (oddly delicious and unique).
The caramel and cheddar mix is super fun because it is like each bite is sweet and salty, and your tongue doesn't get flavored-out. But that also means you can eat a whole bag in one sitting!
They don't have a TON of flavors, but what they do, they do right. -
Review from Diego S.
10/13/2010
Wow what a great popcorn place! They had this smore popcorn, w/chocolate, marshmallows!
I got the jalapeno & cheese bag, ate just about the whole bag in one night... couldn't put the bag away after finally realizing it was down to a third left! Yikes!
They also for my next trip bleu cheese popcorn... yum! I tried a sample it was good! got my card punched also! after 9 bags I get a medium bag of my choice Gyeah boi! -
Review from Amanda W.
Seattle, WA
8/2/2010
My husband and I stopped in on a walk in downtown. I unfortunately have only been able to sample a few of their flavors. I need to go back! We had the dark chocolate caramel, rocky road, and s'mores. They all were great! The people that own the shop are so wonderful. They also make the popcorn there so you can see them at work and it makes the place smell great.
Although pricey it is worth it. I will be back to try the holiday flavors. They have a punch card so don't forget to get one. You can also buy this stuff buy the tin or a snack size to munch on as you walk downtown.Listed in: Sweet Tooth
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Review from Merey T.
Seattle, WA
7/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A little pricey, but the popcorn is delicious. I especially enjoyed the salted caramel and coconut macaroon. Oh, and they offer a discount to people who have recently gone on a Seattle food tour.
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Review from Alena B.
5/28/2011
I consider myself a popcorn connoisseur and this place is pretty darn good. I love the cheddar but everything else there (i think white chocolate was involved) is wonderful too. I actually went back to get another bag to take home on the plane. THis is a nice location and definitely a place to check out if you are in the hood
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Review from Cindy I.
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fun place and you can get samples. The truffle cheese popcorn was great but a little more than we wanted to pay for popcorn. Ended up with traditional carmel corn and really enjoyed it. Not greasy, just a nice level of carmel flavoring. Not too sweet either. I would think about sending as a gift sometime and will stop by when I'm in town again.
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Review from Jackie turner T.
Seattle, WA
8/27/2010 1 photo
I really wanted this to be my regular popcorn place.
I am the biggest popcorn fan I know and I have to admit that the popcorn here is not awesome. The flavors are amazing (bruschetta, anyone?) but the popcorn is either day-old or chewy by design. Such a disappointing experience. I thought it might just be me, but my brother, the second biggest fan I know, also tried a sample and could only give it a look of dismay.
Maybe I will try it again in the future because I really like the unique gourmet flavor thing they are going for. -
Review from Meghan P.
6/11/2009
We discovered Kukuruza when a bag of their popcorn was caught by our friend on our Duck Tour. We all shared the yummy popcorn and it was a great distraction from the somewhat boring tour ;)
When we went back to the store, the employees were super nice and they were happy to give us as many samples as we wanted. All of the basic, sweet, and savory popcorn's were delicious! They even mix the spices right when you order a bag (for example, we got some of the jalapeno popcorn) and then they taste test it to make sure it's just right (no wonder they are so happy; this seems like a perfect job!).
The bags and tins come in all different sizes and are a little pricey (a small bag starting around $4) but so worth it! Yum! -
Review from Valentina V.
Seattle, WA
11/15/2008
Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch...
Shoot, I can't stop. I can't! Crunch, crunch...crunch...crunch...*lick lips*
The roof of my mouth is somehow numb thanks to the overdose of sugar Mr. Ryan and I got out of a quart of caramel corn. He paid $2.50 for this "classic," which we thought was a steal.
Of course, Ms. Sweet Tooth here had to get a quart of one of their Decadent collection popcorn, the Coconut Macaroon. I tasted it before getting it. Oh my! Besides having one of the best "crunch" textures I've experienced in a long time, the combination of coconut flakes, chocolate and an almondy caramel all together was pure perfection.
I still have to try those kinds that combine popcorn and nuts, like the Triple Nut Caramel and the Caramel with Cashews. They also sell the nuts apart.
And they have tins. Lots of tins. The BF kind of frowned when he saw these. According to him, popcorn tins are cheesy. I think this is one of the cases where you sorta, kinda have to love the cheese. But I digress.
I did sample the cheddar cheese popcorn but wasn't crazy about it. The crunch factor wasn't even comparable to the sweeties. Not even close.
Service was very good--kind, merry girls were running around, genuinely eager to help customers with their picks. The place is cute and not too flashy, and I loved the fact they have the popcorn displayed in glasses similar to those where martinis are served.
Excellent choice for a couple of marching kids who were running out of calories and low in energy!
Crunch, crunch, crunch! -
Review from A. T.
Seattle, WA
7/25/2011
We always walk around this area but it was only yesterday that we actually noticed it, the smell of sweet popcorn got our attention to go in and take a look.. I was surprised that they've been there for three years!
They have surprising flavors, though we decided to try the salty caramel for now. We liked it! We are definitely coming back to try the other ones!
A good find in downtown Seattle I would say! -
Review from Sirio B.
Foster City, CA
4/27/2010
Been a regular customer at Kukuruza since they opened. Their caramel corn is a staple at our office and I pick up a bag weekly. When I'm feeling fancy I go for the amaretto popcorn which offers a more adult take on candied popcorn.
They are more than happy to offer samples of anything you want, so try before you buy. The idea is unique enough that it works, I've made quite a few fans of this store via word of mouth. -
Review from Quinn C.
11/17/2008
I like their popcorn. It is delicious. I got 1 quart bag of the coconut macaroon and 1 quart bag of the rocky road. I sampled it they were delicious.
The only thing I was NOT impressed w/ was the service. Actually that's not even true; the people that helped me were very nice, there was 1 guy there, I'm assuming the manager who was terse with me.
"prices are there, flavors are there, did you have any other questions?"
Well-- I didn't have any questions to begin w/ because I can read. -
Review from Robert S.
Chicago, IL
5/15/2010
I keep saying I am gonna start a diet, but then my BF brings home KUKUZA I am so gonna kill this bag
so I am walking through the house and the BF picks up 2 bags that look like Coffee, and I am like why did you buy coffee ? you never make coffee at home and i have a couple bags, and he like this isn't coffee the hell
OK then what is it ? it is Popcorn get out of here, so i open the bag and tear into it, and I am like OK what flavor is it, I just woke up and its too early to play guess what this taste like its Maple Bacon !!
Maple Bacon is a seasonal I am not sure what the Bacon season is but we are going to get more before it ends, hell prob gonna get lots more, he also got the Rainbow Mixed Fruit it is fruity just like Fruit Loops or Fruity Pebbles, it really reminds me of a cereal I had as a kid Kaboom http://www.lavasurfer.... oh it is so good for Breakfast woke me right up now just need a cup of Joe -
Review from Amie S.
Seattle, WA
12/4/2008
I am a sucker for popcorn. I'll eat it lightly salted, drenched in butter, salty-sweet from the kettle, you name it. I get cravings for movie popcorn and keep a mental list of the theaters with the best butter. Long story short, popcorn is my friend. There are few foods that can claim the high flavor, low nutrition ratio - it's basically air. Delicious, delicious air.
Anyway, I'm walking around downtown today and there is a lady handing out free popcorn samples! Gourmet popcorn, even! Light, fluffy, savory-sweet cheddar caramel popcorn, a flavor combo I would not have put together by myself but now will eternally lust after. (Btw, it's cheddar corn and caramel corn together in a cup...not, like, caramel mixed in with cheddar before they coat the corn. *shudder*).
Inside, the store looks a lot like a candy shop, with all kinds of brightly colored kernels or ooey gooey coated popcorn clusters to gawk at. The folks are happy to let you sample the flavors to come up with your ideal crunchy treat, and there's a wall lined with tins of all sizes that you can have filled up with your favorite popcorn flavor (or flavors). Now I know what I'm bringing to the office Christmas party! -
Review from Stephanie P.
Seattle, WA
11/12/2008 2 photos
One of my coworkers is from Chicago, and lately he's been talking my ear off about Garrett's popcorn and how it's Just Not The Same anywhere else. So it's no surprise that within days of Kukuruza opening its downtown Seattle store, my coworker's spidey-sense tingled and he was off to try, and judge, their gourmet popcorn.
This place reminds me of a Baskin-Robbins for fancy popcorn. They have the usual flavors - plain, cheese, caramel, white cheddar, and that odd caramel-and-cheese mix that is apparently a Garrett's favorite. They also have more elaborate flavors like that sugary rainbow popcorn, jalapeno cheese, caramel cappucino, and chipotle cheddar, as well as super-sweet desserty flavors like honey granola, white chocolate caramel, black raspberry and white chocolate, coconut macaroon, and irish cream with white chocolate.
In-store, prices start at $2.50 for a quart-size bag of the simpler flavors, and go up from there for the more elaborate ones. You can also get larger 1-gallon bags and gift tins, and they have a large stock of decorative tins in the store to choose from. You can also order online - it looks like a lot of their online business is aimed at corporate gifts.
When I went in, they weren't too busy and had more than enough staff, but everyone was kind of bustling around in confusion, so they weren't serving customers very quickly - but this is probably just them working out the kinks, as they just opened last week. The place is decorated to look like an old-time ice cream parlor or candy store, with lots of glass, tile floors, and high wooden shelving, and it has a fun and friendly atmosphere. My coworker's verdict was "not as good as Garrett's, but still pretty good." When you get tired of the tiny donuts at Pike Place, now there's a new option! -
Review from David C.
Chicago, IL
9/29/2010
Yummmm! I loved the raspberry popcorn.. it was so tasty. It has white chocolate on it... how yummy is that! I also had a taste of a few other options.... the one with bacon while it sounds gross was actually really good. I wish I had found this place at the beginning of my trip and not at the end... I would have been in this spot on several occasions.
This is really good.... I would put this right up there with Garrets. -
Review from S alicia S.
Seattle, WA
5/5/2009
Posh popcorn to nurture the palate. Each flavor very distinctive. And every popped corn kernel pampered with intense flavor. It just may be better than whispered pleasures. Maybe not, but this popcorn really can stir a person(s) to mingle in bliss.
The store is spotless. The selection is fresh. The staff is friendly. And it's an novel idea. What's not to love?!
Prices vary according to the size and opulence of the popcorn. And this May's "Flavor of the Month" is Curry Cashew. -
Review from Sara C.
Seattle, WA
1/30/2009
A gourmet popcorn store! A place you can actually sample the delish flavors beforehand instead of just grabbing some random bag that says "Caramel Popcorn" and blindly trusting that it will actually BE big popped kernels coated in caramel....instead of that crap that comes in tins at Christmas!
KuKuRuZa is the real deal, folks -- they have 12-15 standby flavors, and they mix it up with special concoctions. Today it was Mexican Hot Chocolate (cinnamon-y!), next week it might be something different. The flavors change seasonally too. :) My favorites so far: White Cheddar, Caramel with Cashews (cheaper than with peanuts!), plain Caramel.
3 sizes of bags to choose from, and they'll mix if you want 2 flavors without 2 bags. :) Service when I went in at 1pm on a Friday was good, the crazy sample guy was doing his thang outside too.
The only downside to having a gourmet popcorn store so close to my work is that I'll get fat off popcorn. It has nutrients, right? Is popcorn a vegetable? Don't answer that.
