No, it’s not Sant’Eustachio. And no, even though I like them better than Sant’Eustachio, it’s not Tazza d’Oro, either.
It’s my ongoing, never-ending, visceral passion and true obsession for Cafffè Camerino’s caffè completo.
All those who know me well enough tell me that I’m obsessed.
Exhibit 1: My original post from 2006.
Exhibit 2: When I introduced my BFF Sara Rosso, aka Ms. Adventures in Italy, to it this past summer (and we all got to see how smart she is in geography, too!)
Exhibit 3: When I read Sara’s “How to Order an Italian Coffee in Italy” and realized that the complete coffee she was talking about was “MY” complete coffee, I felt very proud of my shameless promotion and happy that it impressed her enough to include it.
Fine, fine, I own up to it. It’s a torrid affair.
The caffè completo, in short, is an espresso with a dollop of perfectly bitter dark chocolate paste (thicker and more chocolatey and way more sophisticated than anything like Nutella), wrapped all around the little spoon which they place inside the transparent glass, so the chocolate gets all melty in the espresso which they add next, then fresh whipped cream on top, and cocoa powder dusted on that.
Don’t add sugar, for the love of God! Just stir that chocolatey goodness in, then lick the choc off the spoon, spoon the whipped cream, stir it around…
I often think of the infamous scene in “When Harry Met Sally” when I drink this coffee. You know the one. The “I’ll have what she’s having” one.
I am so obsessed with this coffee that I feel constantly compelled to blog about it, but in the spirit of not being totally redundant, instead of another photo, today I took a video with my morning cornetto (with apricot jam super sugary yumyumyum).
No, clearly I am not normal. What of it?
Did you hear how possessive I got when he didn’t realize it was mine? It’s like I was about to throw down. Do you hear my “mmmm” at the end? I was like shaking with anticipation.
I think the only next logical step from here on out is either ask one of the barista guys on a date or try to get hired there.
Those being my options, I think I’ll just keep paying my €1 and try to leave my obsession alone. Trust me, it is, in the words of Ferris Bueller, so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.
Cafffè Camerino
Largo Arenula 30 (in front of the 8 tram depot at Largo Argentina)
PS For the total indulgent sweet tooth experience, grab a gelato at Corona Gelateria next door. You will not be sorry! Especially in the summer when they have lemon with basil…OMG. People, hold me back!
Why haven’t I heard of an caffe completo?? I will definitely try this the next time I’m in Rome!
Ok, heading straight to Largo Argentina… now!
I will tell you a secret: I have never been wooed over by Sant’Eustachio so my quest for the best espresso in Rome continues! I will be back in Rome this weekend and certainly try Caffe’ Camerino!
Yes, you absolutely must indoctrinate yourself to the caffè completo. I am obsessed but … until I find something else to take its place, this is my go-to coffee. And hats off to you for not being seduced by the Sant’Eustachio myth. If I do something and hide it, then perhaps I too can become mysterious and mythical and “best of”…no? Buon weekend a Roma!