Popcorn's trendy new Parisian look

IN PARIS, popcorn is casting aside its cinema junk-food image in favour of a trendy new “gastro” look.

Paris’s first “popcorn bar” - My Crazy Pop - opened earlier this year in a “gastro-truck” on the streets of the 11th arrondisement. A collaboration between 2011 French MasterChef finalist Nathalie Nguyen and Christel Leflaive, it promises “a refined pleasure that is affordable and healthy”.

In My Crazy Pop, the age-old choice of salted or caramelised flavours have made way for a range of tastes, including rosemary butter, parmesan, or dark chocolate.

In total, 15 flavours are available.

Meanwhile, in one stylish new venue in Montmartre, Soyles, a grilled chicken dish comes with “farmer Jack's black popcorn with smoked salt”, while other available flavours include spicy coconut curry, tempting pumpkin, foie gras and caramelised fruit, or mushroom and truffle.

But the classic flavours have their fans. Pastry chef Pierre Hermé’s caramelised popcorn is a popular Sunday evening staple with champagne in the exclusive Hotel Royal Monceau.

Photo: Anna