Johansson opens Paris popcorn shop

HOLLYWOOD actress Scarlett Johansson ( right) has opened a popcorn shop. Not just any old popcorn joint but a gourmet one in Paris, the gastronomic capital of the world.

The 31-year-old singer and model was also there to serve customers with her own fair hand.

The star of Lost in Translation and Under the Skin worked behind the counter to scoop up truffle, parmesan and sageflavoured popcorn – her personal favourite – to punters at the recent soft opening of her Yummy Pop shop in the city’s Marais district, her spokesman told AFP.

The concept is a labour of love with her French husband, advertising executive Romain Dauriac.

And the couple hope that if their “Real Vermont Cheddar” and other savoury and sweet recipes are a hit, they will open other shops elsewhere.

Her spokesman in Los Angeles said the actress was truly passionate about popcorn, adding that it was cooked and mixed fresh on the spot with seasonal ingredients.

The couple worked with chef Will Horowitz of Ducks Eater and Harry and Ida’s in New York on their menu, which also includes popcorn that comes with sea salt and olive oil, “Real Vermont Maple”, strawberries and cream and chocolate covered strawberries.

Dauriac’s sister manage the shop.

Johansson’s timing could not be better. The French capital is currently riding a wave of American-influenced food trends, from brunches and artisan coffee shops to hamburgers, with some 70% of restaurants putting them on the menu, according to a recent study.

Johansson’s spokesman said the Paris shop would close after its soft opening so that “they can fine tune everything with what they’ve learned from the customers before the grand opening”, which is likely to be before the end of the year. – AFPRelaxnews will