Page 4 - Dining Out - March 26, 2023

Cover Story
I sland Popper Gourmet Popcorn is committed to crafting “gourmet pop-
corn, all the way,” and what better time to try some of its sweet and savory varieties than on National Caramel Popcorn Day? On April 6, Is- land Popper is celebrating in part by re-creating its iconic popcorn volcano logo for the special occasion.
Owner Andrea Tour- nis-Vagenas explains,
Story by
KYLE GALDERIA
Photos by
ANTHONY CONSILLIO
1
ner with prizes such as $2 off the next purchase, a free popcorn cup and even a free extra-large popcorn bag.
The business is located at 1549 Colburn St. in Kalihi, right behind the Dillingham O’Reilly Auto Parts, and has ample free parking in front of the shop. Just look for the big red popcorn flag!
When Tournis-Vagenas and her husband moved to Hawaii from Chicago a de-
4 / Dining Out / March 26-April 1, 2023
“Our caramel is handcraft- ed in small batches using high-quality butter and brown sugar. Our commit- ment to quality is what really sets us apart. We start every batch with non-GMO kernels popped in 100% coconut oil, keep the buttered popcorn organic and use only local Hawaiian sea salt. We don’t take any shortcuts or skimp on the good stuff!”
Island Popper is offering
its made-from-scratch Clas- sic Caramel starting at just $4 in honor of National Caramel Popcorn Day. Also, be sure to try its gourmet version of Cracker Jack, which has de- veloped a loyal following.
“You’ll never go back to the box one again!” Tour- nis-Vagenas says.
Now through April 8, Island Popper is offering its seasonal Bunny Bait Cups (four for $14) and Bunny Bait Basket ($22) to
celebrate Easter. The flavor- ful mix features made-from- scratch caramel coupled with pastel M&Ms and pastel marshmallows. The popular cup size is perfect for Easter baskets, and the cups will stay fresh for two weeks.
Also, be sure to check out Island Popper’s Easter give- away promotion. Customers who spend $30 or more get to choose an egg from the basket. Every egg is a win-
cade ago, something was missing.Tournis-Vagenas was craving Garrett’s Popcorn, a hand-crafted Chicago-style popcorn that’s famous for its caramel and cheese mix. The blend of tangy cheese and rich caramel popcorn and its familiar sweet aroma helped inspire Island Popper, which opened its brick-and-mortar location in July 2019.
Customers can look for- ward to Island Popper’s Ca-