Anything but Corny!

If ever there were a popcorn heaven, ‘Dale and Thomas’ would be it. The tiny storefront shop emanates the sweet, salty scent of fresh popcorn, warm and crispy, overflowing from bushel-baskets. Upon entering, amiable staff welcome you to sample as many of the shop’s 12 flavors as you please. The Today show deems it the "Rolls Royce of popcorn," and Oprah hails it as her favorite.

Here’s a rundown of a few flavors I sampled, including what to try and what to avoid;

Chocolate and Peanut Butter DrizzleCorn—Like an inside out, popped, peanut butter cup.

White Chocolate and Peanut Butter DrizzleCorn—Even better than the milk chocolate and peanut butter according to several taste-testers I surveyed.
Chocolate Chunk and Caramel Drizzle Corn—This was the testers' favorite, and Oprah’s preferred flavor too!
Southwest Cheddar Chipotle—Cheesy cheddar with a little bit of bite. Tastes remarkably similar to Doritos.
Backyard BBQ—Tangy mesquite flavor—tastes great mixed with the Cheddar Chipotle.
“Buffalo and Blue Cheese”—Here’s fair warning: This flavor made me want to gag! To put it bluntly, it has an aftertaste reminiscent of dirt and mold.

With the choice of two flavors, each bag is well-worth its $5 price tag. And during the hour prior to closing time everyday, if you buy two bags, the third is free! Yum!

Philadelphia location: 1625 Chestnut St. (The Shops at Liberty Place). Open 7 days a week.