Tag Archives: pop

POP, Notting Hill

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I will admit, I’ve never been much of a popcorn fan… I have always associated it with cinema snacking and compulsive mouth stuffing as the film flashes in front of me. I didn’t particularly like the taste, and found the ongoing sweet vs. salty dilemma painfully frustrating. Recently however popcorn has undergone a bit of a makeover with several trendy little companies developing a snack that is both healthy and tasty, satisfying and flavoursome.

There is something instantly attractive and tempting about POP, Europe’s first popcorn boutique. This new concept store is the brainchild of London-based couple Matt Guarente (a former magazine editor) and Catherine May, a public affairs director. Priding itself on being the first of its kind, POP produces coated and dusted popcorn freshly made every day, in unusual and indulgent flavours.

Customers can choose in-store flavours or create their own bespoke popcorn for parties and events. We sampled each recipe from the current menu. I was amazed by how much I enjoyed eating this delicious snack… intensely flavoured, wonderfully fresh and pleasingly crunchy, it is the ideal grazing food, perfect for stylish cocktail parties or event openings.

The owners’ passion for food is obvious… each flavour has been carefully developed – innovative and creative components combined to make addictively good combinations. English Toffee and Sea Salt is the most popular and was definitely my favourite, a thick caramelly coating on the corn. My team of tasters preferred the luxurious Raspberry Dark and White Chocolate (a pretty pink variety with thick drippings of chocolate) and Sweetcrisp (a simple but scrumptious version of classic sweet popcorn). Of the savoury choices, I loved the Bloody Mary flavour.

POP also sells a number of cult drinks from America, strikingly bright vintage cans sit in a fridge waiting to quench your thirst after your popcorn!

I know it sounds corny but you too will be dancing for joy when you taste the latest pop sensation, I can’t get enough of it.

(POP has just launched delivery by post – Pop at Home – meaning their great corn is available across the UK, and they plan to be at a festival near you this summer.)

Visit the website for more information: www.popthewebsite.com

Madonna, Hyde Park

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I spent a whole morning on Ebay carefully monitoring tickets to Madonna’s Hyde Park concert. For some reason I had an overwhelming urge to experience the Queen of Pop’s grand showcase despite seeing her several times before at various events. Her cameo roles in Live Aid and Children in Need were nothing though in comparison to the spectacular production the crowds witnessed on 17th July.

My obsessive Ebay activity paid off as I managed to win two tickets for just £40 each, about half the original selling price. We joined the throng and walked into the park arena, similar to a mini festival with cheap food vendors and merchandise floggers. The gates opened at 4.30 and by 6 the place was full to the brim, thousands of eccentric fans nudging their way to the front. Determined to get a glimpse of Madge we too dodged the hordes and squeezed our way almost to the front. Here we stood for four hours alongside a group of unnecessarily angry middle aged rockers who seemed resolute on ruining our evening by elbow jabbing and foot stamping all night long.

Several support acts enjoyed the epic stage before the Queen of Pop: first the virtually unknown Martin Solveis, then a very rowdy and scantily dressed LMFAO. This neon clad crew pranced about the stage, screaming excitedly to the crowd and stripping off to their boxers, which seemed to excite them, but the Madonna fans were less impressed… they had only come to see her half-naked not a motley crew of boyband wannabees. I wasn’t impressed with this set but enjoyed the final, familiar numbers especially ‘I’m sexy and I know it’ and ‘I’m shuffling’ to which we couldn’t help but dance.

A long and painful wait of 80 minutes and finally Lady Madonna appeared on stage. The show was seamlessly choreographed and polished… and despite the on off drizzle, the energy and passion exuding from the stage was impressive. There is no denying it: Madonna looks unbelievable, especially when her over muscly arms are covered up. I’m convinced most of the vocals were mimed, but when the dancing is this good, singing in tandem is impossible, and for once I didn’t really mind.

In front of us a group of crazy camp fans were hilariously dancing to every number, they knew every single word. Outfit changes were frequent and fabulous: elaborate corsets, flirty mini skirts and beautiful hairdos. I sincerely enjoyed the whole show – with so much activity on stage it was impossible to be bored even during the slow sultry songs. Madonna communicated throughout addressing her UK fans affectionately and encouraging the crowds to join in. Unsurprisingly I enjoyed the famous songs most… VOGUE was exquisite and Like a Virgin was titillating and cool.

We staggered out of Hyde Park with debilitating back pain, but feeling a warm glow of exhilaration from Madonna’s awe inspiring show. Every ache was worth it for a night with the Queen of Pop.

http://www.madonna.com/