May 6, 2005
It's Fanta-bulous!
Some six years ago, I was recently returned from my post-graduation travels through Europe with my best friend, and I was still a little nostalgic for all of it. As my then-new coworker and friend Matthew and I walked to the park for lunch one day, I was reminiscing about a soda I had enjoyed in Spain and France and hadn't seen anywhere since: Lemon Fanta (or, rather, Fanta Limon, as it will always be known to me). It tasted so good on those hot Barcelona afternoons. I couldn't figure out why we could get Orange Fanta and even--blech--Grape Fanta so easily here in the States, but lemon sodas of all kinds seemed absent in the domestic market. (Of course, now San Pelligrino Limonata--a superior lemon soda--is widely available, but it was still a chichi specialty-shop item back then.) How I pined for the Fanta Limon of my memories.
Fast forward to late April 2005. Matthew IMs me asking if he can stop by after work; he has a surprise. It's some Lemon Fanta! (Now rechristened Fanta Icy Lemon, ostensibly in an attempt to appeal to the "EXTREME!" soda market.) Turns out Matthew has been conducting periodic Google searches for international soda purveyors since that lunchtime fancy way back when (aw!), and he had finally found a site based in the U.K. that would sell him a six-pack and ship it forthwith.
Together with Byrne, we cracked open a can to test the "flavour." It took me back, y'all. I have to say that as an all-grown-up Bay Area food snob, I now appreciate the finer lemony taste of Limonata; but despite its vague taste of "fake lemonade," as Matthew put it, Lemon Fanta will always hold a special place in my heart. (And Miss Dori, you know how I feel about synthetic citrus beverages). The stuff may taste not unlike carbonated Country Time, but I've got five cans of the coveted stuff in my fridge and they're mine! All mine!
(Thanks, /\/\/\/!)
9 comments
Bet it would be really good with a little rum and some mint in it. Right, Dori?
Mom
I say vodka and a splash o' cran. Cheers!
I agree with your mom! Also, don't trust Arin - she is unamerican and hates Tang. It's good enough for the astronauts but not for Arin.
when i was growing up, they had fanta green. it was green and tasted like artificial banana essence. :) but savor your fanta limon ;)
Glad you were reunited with your lemon fanta!
I was just reminiscing about these candy bars I loved when I was in school in England. I think I'll search the net for them! :-)
I know exactly how you feel about Fanta Limon. Ten years ago when I was in college, I spent six months in Spain enjoying that by itself and with red wine--"Tinto de Verano"--good stuff. Thanks for the info. on how to get it. It's been tough living without it.
Thanks a bunch - my sister and I love lemon fanta from our many trips to Italy and around Europe - this will be a great surprise for her!! Any ideas on how I can get my hands on some Baci without going to the Venetian in Vegas?!
thanks so much for the site link...I've been looking for Fanta Limon since I left Barcelona!!!
Dear Arin, Man... I've got to tell you. I've been looking and looking for a lemon soda since I was over in Spain. Fanta Limon, my FAVORITE soft drink over there... was introduced to it while stationed there just prior to the "persian excursion"... while attending a "Spain Orientation" class, we drove out to a hole-in-the-wall comidaria (or something like that) ...we ordered Paella (sp?) and were served a HUGE plate of the stuff... a fresh loaf of baked bread (out of the oven while we were there).. and the traditional drink... "Tinto con Limon" the house red mixed to taste with... yep... the nectar of the gods... FANTA LIMON. The warm Spanish air blowing through the open windows... the paella.. scooping it up with torn off chunks of steaming cream-buttered bred and tinto con limon to wash it down with... no meal since has come closer to perfection than the experience that day.... and I don't think MSG was involved either.
All the crappy attempts at lemon soda are "citrus" which basically means "citric acid" and "grapefruit juice" (talk about getting a case of the trots). I've been so desperate as to attempt dropping alka seltzer into my lemonade... *cough cough* not a bad cure for a hangover, but not close to Limon.
I started searching on the web and found your post, it really took me back.
I found a site that sells the two liter bottles of it... but cans are really the way to go... keeps each one fresher longer... so I can savor it. I will check your link out.
Here is the one I found with the two litre bottles.
http://www.minosimports.com
...now I just got to find a link to Churrucha Pipas con Sal... fresh roasted Spanish Sunflower Seeds in the shell delicately seasoned with sea salt and flour....
Mmm....