July 7, 2005
Is Popcorn Passé?
On hot summer nights Gothamist adores hunkering down in an air-conditioned movie theater to watch the latest flick o' the moment. And, what's a trip to the cinema without a trip to the concession stand?
Who can resist the traditional combo of a gargantuan barrel of soda complimented by a trough of buttery, salty popcorn? Apparently, plenty of folk.
Gothamist is noticing that more and more gourmand fare is finding its way onto local movie theater menus - and we're not just talking about art house theaters like the Angelika either. For example, the more mainstream Pavilion Brooklyn Heights Cinema now features Chocolate Bar's wildly decadent, gourmet Retro Bars alongside the usual Twizzler and popcorn offerings. (And, Tom Cruise be damned - Gothamist has to admit that the Peanut Butter Carmel Retro Bar was actually more enjoyable than War of the Worlds!)
What's the most unusual, high-falutin foodie item you've seen at your local movie theater's concession stand?
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Blaarrghh -- just the thought of that stinky yellow corn lube at the movies is enough to turn my stomach (even more than Tom 'n' son arguing endlessly in Bore of the Worlds). But it's nowhere near as bad as the kid I saw SUCKING RIGHT OUT OF THE SELF-SERVE BUTTA PUMP downtown the other day. Oh, man.
Even the butter is going gourmet. Have you seen the butter options at the IFC? One of them is, I kid you not, truffle butter.
For many years, Lincoln Plaza cinemas, also known as "the artsy cinema where all the old people from the nearby old folks' buildings shush you," has offered unusual treats like smoked salmon sandwiches on rye, and rugelach. I got totally addicted to eating smoked salmon while watching movies, and I often wish other places had the same dish.
Film Forum offers something they promote as "Jacques Derrida's favorite banana bread." Haven't tried it myself, but that's a dubious endorsement!
Film Forum offers something they promote as "Jacques Derrida's favorite banana bread." Haven't tried it myself, but that's a dubious endorsement!
If you think that endorsement is dubious, then you need to read "Differance" a little more closely...
at a lot of the more 'ghetto' or 'urban' or 'black' i've notice they serve fried chicken. not joking. of course, this is just another case of supply dictating demand. yeah right! don't see fried chicken at the theaters in leave it to beaverville!
Please, can we avoid snobbish foodie infiltration at the movies.
There is but one food to be eaten at movies, with salt and x-tra butter. Not tapioca pearls, sushi or any other slimy stuff.
www.forgotten-ny.com
The banana bread is as dry and overrated as Derrida himself. For those willing to part with $5, however, the Film Forum does sell Jacques Torres chocolate bars.
The tastiest movie food is that which is smuggled into the theater.
Jane> Your website looks delicious.
Film Forum rocks! Except for the cramped seating.
I recall going regularly to a theater in west new york, nj that was so easy going that people would have dominos pizza deliver to their seat.
I think jane minty should have treats at the concession stand. Great rack!
movie theater butter, if it is even butter, is the worst shit in the world for you. rock on with your super size, XXXL butter version, kevin. mmmmmmm.
http://www.calorieking.com/foods/food.php?category_id=25395&brand_id=1&food_id=70320&partner=
>>>movie theater butter, if it is even butter, is the worst shit in the world for you.
Like that's a consideration. For the record I always get the smallest size.
Tell Spurlock I said howdy.
www.forgotten-ny.com
OMG YES! nothing like lox & cream cheese on rye at lincoln plaza cinemas.
Can we please leave at least one area of life in this city where things need not be "gourmet" or "organic" or some other form of BS overpriced marketing pablum?
Geez, and I used to think nonpareils were kinda uppity!
I don't mind paying the 1000% markup for a tub of good popcorn, but it seems to be stale and cold nowadays. Really makes me want to keep that $5 in my pocket, which is a shame because good popcorn rocks. I like the different flavors you can shake on at the Sunshine on Houston.
Hi Jane! Don't think I've seen you since Heidi's party when you gave her the colon cake!
I think the edibles should serve a dual purpose. Enhanced brownies would enhance the movie experience. Let's be efficient here.
My fondest memory is also the flavored popcorn at the Landmark Sunshine. They have about five toppings, including apple-cinnamon, and some weird salty toppings with chives or onions.
Beats the other theater's cold or burnt popcorn I admit.
Do you remember though the movies before popcorn though? In France we would buy ice-cream from the hostess who was standing in the theater with her bag of treats, including cigarettes.