Holy Calimocho!

My mother hesitated before she spoke. "Your father, well...." She cleared her throat. "Well, he likes to. Well." She stopped, and blushed.

"What, Mom? WHAT???" I had to know. No matter how bad it was. I just wouldn't tell Mr. Food Musings.

"Don't tell Mr. Food Musings," she pleaded, "and I'll tell you." We did a pinkie swear.

"Your father likes to mix his red wine with Diet Coke." She held her breath, watching for my reaction.

The blood drained out of my face. I couldn't even speak. He likes what? I thought to myself. Who on earth mixes wine and coke? That question answered, I moved on to the why. But it was no use.

For months since the revelation, I have suffered in silence. A Food Lover of National Renown with a Reputation to Protect, and this was to be the skeleton in my closet, dragged out if ever I wanted to run for president of the James Beard Foundation or San Francisco Professional Food Society. My life was ruined. RUINED!!!

Until today. Read it and weep. My father, all this time, has been enjoying an authentic Spanish drink called the calimocho that's served in tapas bars everywhere. My father, at the forefront of the hip espanol revolution, and I never knew it.

Dear, dear dad. Forgive me. I shout "Olé" from the rooftops in your name. You are my hero.

Comments

[Robyn]

When we lived in Shanghai mid-90s it was fairly common to see local wine drinkers mix Coke with red and Sprite with white. I thought it was tacky -- but now it's hip?

[Beth - The Zen Foodist]

LOL. I still don't think that wine and soda sound like a good idea. But maybe your dad has the right idea...!

[Mom]

I'll keep you posted on any other new & hip trends that your father sets!!!

[Dad]

I always knew I was 'with it'. Now everyone else is 'without it'. ha!
Anyway, diet cola is especially good with sangria. Bueno!

[catherine]

Robyn & Beth -- tomato, to-MAH-to. I'm with you two -- ick!

Mom -- please do!

Dad -- LOL...