The Chef Boyardee Effect (Issue #22)
This week’s issue is all about nostalgia – highlighting childhood faves, historical recaps, and modern twists on treasured classics.
Hi friends!
I love nostalgia. I love reviewing my life and putting a rosy frame on moments throughout, finding meaning and romanticizing whatever I can. Mostly, it’s just fun to look back, to remember things I used to love. Sometimes, this nostalgia can lead me to new creations, like this newsletter, which is very intentionally guided by my memories and love for the early-aughts and 2010’s Tumblr aesthetics. While gel pens might actually be the most inconsistent writing utensils ever invented, my memory of how these pens made me feel will always trump the reality of the object.
A decade ago, reflecting on some of these themes, I needed a way to describe a particular kind of moment: the feeling of disappointment when you realize nostalgia is playing tricks on you.
It all started on an otherwise normal evening during my freshman year of college. At the grocery store, I saw an unassuming can of Chef Boyardee, perched on a shelf.
And in that instant, I was the little girl in this commercial, called to the can by childhood memories of warm delicious pasta. And I couldn’t resist its pull. It was perfect – a tasty treat that was also microwave-able? A college student’s dream!!! How had I never thought of it before?? So I did what I had to do, amending my dinner plans and placing a can in my cart. My inner child jumped with joy! I was finally an adult and could make whatever dinner plans I wanted.
Back in my dorm, I warmed the contents of the can. The sweet smell of tomato filling the tiny room. Peering in the little microwave window, I started to get nervous. I watched the unnaturally red sauce bubble and spit. When the timer beeped, I gingerly removed the bowl, letting it cool for a bit before taking my first bite.
What followed was utterly heartbreaking. There it was, the sinking feeling of realizing nostalgia had clouded my memory. Unbeknownst to me, I’d placed the pasta on a now-unrecognizable pedestal. Turns out, Chef Boyardee is disgusting.
Enter the following term:
Chef Boyardee Experience
[ shef boy-ar-dee ik-speer-ee-uhns ]
noun
a particular instance from childhood that when re-experienced as an adult does not hold up to the joy and expectations built from memories passed.
Ex. Watching The Sandlot as an adult was such a Chef Boyardee Experience! That movie is actually boring and, in retrospect, weirdly problematic.
It’s an incredibly useful term, applicable to countless childhood wonders – from ball pits and Peeps to Chuck E. Cheese and Domino’s pizza. Without the shimmer of a child’s perspective, many things just don’t hold up. Nostalgia is great, but some things should be left where they shine best: our memories.
Today’s issue is all about looking back – on childhood, old media, historical events, and more! Luckily, some things do actually hold up! Enjoy!
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend
*Indicates a gift link. I know how frustrating paywalls are! When possible, I’ll try to offer gift links through my subscriptions to support access to high-quality journalism.
Washington Post: 70 years of national park photos* by Staff of By The Way
This is a beautiful photo essay showcasing images from various national parks through the decades. I found it so cool to reflect on how long these natural landscapes have existed, and the countless memories folks have made in them.
The Atlantic: The Anthropocene is a Joke by Peter Brannen
Truthfully, I disagreed with large parts of this article. Brannen argues that the history of human existence will eventually be but a blink of an eye, and ultimately unmemorable. I felt like his argument relied on the assumption that we’re relatively close to extinction, and I don’t think it gives enough credit to the uniqueness of the human species. But regardless, the article generated pleeeenty of discourse between me and my husband, and while I didn’t agree with all of Brannen’s points, I did spend a long time thinking about it. Check it out!
I remember Alyson Stoner from their early days on Disney Channel, so it’s been really cool to follow their career as an adult. In this podcast, Stoner explores their own story of childhood stardom, raising critical questions and concerns about the entertainment industry as it relates to young actors in Hollywood. I love the ways they handles these issues, especially as they advocate for changes to make the industry more sustainable and safe for children interested in creative self-expression.
This podcast follows Megan Bhari, a 16-year-old who in 2012 launched “Believe in Magic,” a charity for seriously ill children. The charity would become immensely popular within the childhood cancer community and even attracted the attention of One Direction. But slowly, Megan’s world began to unravel, as folks on the internet discovered large holes in her story, including her claims of having a brain tumor. It’s a fascinating investigation into a true crime story with far-reaching consequences.
A collection of memories from days gone by, featuring the chaotic stories behind them.
Note: Links preceded by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links that allow me to collect a small commission when you purchase something I’ve recommended. That said, I can promise that I’ll only ever share items I truly love. Buying through these links is one way to support me and my small biz. ❤️
Okay, now that you know what The Chef Boyardee Experience is all about, I thought I’d purposefully review a handful of childhood faves to see if they’re everything I remember them to be.
An American Tail - Nostalgia Rating: 8/10
My husband Andrew and I re-watched An American Tail before bed a few years ago and I was surprised by just how well it held up!! It’s super entertaining, and I kept singing “and the streets are made of cheeeeseeee” for weeks after. We also watched the sequel Feivel Goes West, which is shockingly racist and doesn’t hold a candle to the original! An American Tail is an 8/10. Feivel Goes West is a big ‘ol ZERO!!!!
Land Before Time - Nostalgia Rating: 5/10
Andrew and I also re-watched this movie a few years ago, and I was shocked about how much more boring it was than I remember. As a kid, I recall the story being super exciting and emotional, but as an adult, I found myself drifting to sleep while watching. Andrew, however, had a much different experience and adamantly rejected my negative review. So I’ll split the difference and give it a 5/10.
*Little Debbie Zebra Cakes - Nostalgia Rating: 7/10
I loooooooooved Zebra Cakes as a kid. They were the perfect snack, and their individually wrapped packages that contained not one but TWO cakes were one of my favorite things to open!! So I headed to the grocery store this week to pick up a box, praying to Little Debbie that she would not disappoint my adult tastebuds. This was only a slight Chef Boyardee Experience. Don’t get me wrong, Zebra Cakes are definitely good, but I couldn’t help but notice how much drier it was than what I remember. I’d give it a 7/10.
Owning Cats - Nostalgia Rating: 11/10
As I’ve mentioned before, I grew up with a lot of pets. But when you’re a kid, you usually get all the pros of pet ownership without the cons. Free of vet bills and the responsibility of feeding and cleaning up after them, owning cats as a child is a super fun walk in the park. As an adult, I now own three cats, and I’m happy to report this is not a Chef Boyardee Experience!!! Yes, there are a few downsides, like when I experienced the financial strain of paying for my cat Newton’s life-saving surgery a few years ago, but all of the pros absolutely outweigh the cons!!! And when it comes to the litterbox, I’ve made that one of my husband Andrew’s household chores, so honestly, it’s a win-win for me. Cats get an 11/10 forever and always because honestly, owning cats is better as an adult. There’s something about them being my children that sweetens the deal!
Things to try + share in the group chat.
When I was younger, I remember walking through the grocery store, dreaming of the day that adult-me could buy my own cookie dough to eat whenever I pleased. So when I found this protein-packed edible cookie dough recipe, I was sold.
I loooove Alan Cumming in The Good Wife, but the truth is I was first introduced to him when he played the villainous Floop in Spy Kids, haha. Regardless, when I learned of his *memoir Not My Father’s Son, I was super excited to check it out. The book centers around Cumming’s childhood, which was heavily shaped by a difficult relationship with his emotionally and physically abusive father. But reading the description, this paragraph especially interested me: “When television producers in the UK approached him to appear on a popular celebrity genealogy show in 2010, Alan enthusiastically agreed. He hoped the show would solve a family mystery involving his maternal grandfather, a celebrated WWII hero who disappeared in the Far East. But as the truth of his family ancestors revealed itself, Alan learned far more than he bargained for about himself, his past, and his own father.” Can’t wait to check it out!!
I mentioned Alyson Stoner earlier, so I want to make sure I mention the company they started with their sister, Correy O’Neal. Movement Genius is a really cool mental health and physical wellness subscription service with inclusive practices at the forefront. They offer a range of videos targeted at reducing stress, relieving anxiety, and using accessible movement to improve overall well-being. I also love that they offer a free 7-day trial so you can explore the videos before committing to a monthly or yearly subscription.
Before, I go, here’s a preview of what paying subscribers got on Monday:
My morning routine really is the key to having a productive and stress-free day. In this bonus article, I share all my favorite tips, tricks, and products that help set me up for success. Check it out here.
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