And, on the heels of Bad Halloween Costumes of the 1970s and 80s: more nostalgia!

For whatever reason, this stuff turned into a Halloween tradition when I was little. Either La Choy or the now-defunct Chun King mentioned in that piece. Load the kid up on dubious “Chinese” food before heading out trick or treating.

I get the feeling that this may have started precisely because it was so quick and easy, with a busy night ahead. But, I thought it was awesone–partly because we so rarely got convenience foods like that at home, other than some canned soups. Party time! 🙄

(The smallish city where we lived then also did not get its first Chinese restaurant until around 1980. How things have changed…)

My mom always served this stuff up with rice, and the peculiar crispy noodles as a garnish. Plus plenty of soy sauce on the side, because you really needed something to add flavor.

La Choy Chinese Food Commercial (1978)

I think my mom had those glasses in ‘78, too.

Reminded of this earlier, so tonight the plan again is our own Halloween “Chinese” feast at home 🤗 The closest I am willing/able to go is some quick basic Beef Lo Mein, using whatever suitable vegetables we have lurking in the fridge.

Though, I did find this in the cupboard, and I may have to slice up a few to add. Closest we’re going to get to classic ‘70s style fare, but it’s the thought 😉

Bygone Bites: A Review of La Choy’s Chow Mein – D Magazine