London’s Calling: Magic Corn

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Magic Corn Stand

This is what I least expected to find in London: a street cart selling nothing but steamed corn.  But yesterday, touring around with Mr. English and Mr. and Mrs. Miami on the South Bank, I saw this stand.  Magic Corn, it read on the sign strapped above the cart.  “Magic corn?”  I thought.    What can it do?

Magic Corn Flavors

It was that question that I asked the salesman behind the cart.  He showed me a huge sac of frozen corn kernels, that instead of putting into an oil popper, he put into a huge vat steamer.  No added fat.  I was excited!  Then, he asked what flavor I wanted.  I was torn, but I told him cheese.  He added some suspicious orange cheese spread, and that kind of cheddar popcorn topping to some hot corn in a thermos, and started shaking it like a martini.  He gently poured the nuggets of cheesy corn in a little Styrofoam cup and handed it to me.

Shakin' It, with the Magic Corn Salesman

In the cold, damp wind, it felt warm and inviting.  With the little yellow spoon, I tasted my first bite: salty and sweet, and the kernels were big and juicy and popped in my mouth.  It reminded me of that Hidden Valley ranch dressing commercial: “where vegetables are delectable.”  It was a healthy, vegetarian, genius thing.  And I loved it.  The cheese topping was minimal—just a hint of flavor.  The perfect snack—I could even see myself grabbing one for a quick lunch.  Mr. English tells me there’s another stand just outside his office, and apparently it’s really catching on.  Guiltless golden nuggets.  Certainly worth my £2.

Steaming Corn

The only real question is what flavor am I going to get next time?  Curry?  Tom Yum?  I actually think I will stick with cheese, or maybe even just ask for plain salt.  I just love that sweet-salty unadulterated crunch of corn, or as Mr. English calls it, sweet corn.  Tomato, tom-ah-to.

Cuppa Corn

Do I think we will be seeing Magic Corn stands sprouting up next to the hotdog carts in New York City?  I doubt it, but I wish they would.  As much as I love the perfect snappy dog on a sweet-soft bun with spicy mustard, I wouldn’t mind a brighter, lighter alternative that didn’t come with a side of guilt.

Magic Cheese Corn

Magic Corn

All over London

Click HERE for locations