The Mask (1994)
Written by Mike Werb
Directed by Chuck Russell
Starring (in this scene): Jim Carrey as The Mask, Cameron Diaz as Tina Carlyle
Chef’s Note: This one is admittedly a bit of an outlier in terms of my research, given that no food is either displayed or visibly consumed. But the catchphrase “That’s a Spicy Meatball!” is too juicy of a reference to ignore.
It has its origins in a very clever TV advertisement for Alka Seltzer from 1969-
At the same time, I was convinced that I had heard it even earlier than that. I had a clear memory from when I was young of the phrase being spoken in the inimitable voice of Bugs Bunny.
I searched high and low and have not been able to source such memory, but I did come across his first encounter with the Tasmanian Devil from 1957 and, serendipitously enough, it turns out to be the inspiration for this scene. Not sure what to make of this coincidence?
Chef’s Note: Happy National Meatball Day!