(map) Naples, Campania
Neapolitan baristi (bartenders, as in at a cafe’) have an infinite number of twists on your traditional caffé. In Piazza Bellini, next to the excavated Greek foundations of the city, Intra Moenia is a bookstore-caffé frequented by artists and students, and the finest choice on the menu is Caffé al bacio (caffe with a kiss).
The barista coats a brandy glass with syrupy Nutella (you are missing out on life if you haven’t heard of this divine chocolate-hazelnut spread). She then adds a healthy shot of espresso and a dollop of milk foam. Cocoa flakes sprinkle the top. It’s expected that you’ll stir the hot beverage for a long time before taking it down in four or five gulps.
Caffé al bacio also comes with an auditory twist. Intra Moenia is one block away from the music conservatory, so often you’ll drink while listening to a delicious soprano practice her scales from an open second story window.
- Contributed by Barbara Zaragoza, who lives in Naples, Italy. You can find her blog about the food and nooks of Naples at: theespressobreak.blogspot.com
January 15th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
OMG that looks so yummy! I am diabetic and I can feel my blood sugar rising just looking at this delicious concoction! Nutella, espresso, milk foam and chocolate sprinkles…..what a great combination!
January 15th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Oh! I am going to have to try this at home…today!
January 15th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Wow I would love to visit the fantastic bookshop. I am slways in a bookshop in Oxford (UK)…
What a “Caffe”…..now that is worth coming over for :-)
January 15th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
The best thing about the drink is that the size is relatively small, so you can have it at 4pm, eat a full dinner and not feel like your waistline ballooned by the next morning. :)
January 15th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
6:35 am. As sit drinking my “coffee”, the Caffe’ al bacio sounds delicious. Nutella is showing up in all the stores (Los Angeles), I need a small jar ( this stuff is addicting). Perhaps this afternoon. Thanks for the idea.
January 15th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
OMG I want one and I don’t even drink Caffe.
January 15th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Thank you! This was a wonderful mid afternoon perk. I’m hurrying to the kitchen to emulate the Intra Moenia’s coffee with a kiss right now.
Ciao and thanks again for your introduction to this superb Napoli delicacy.
January 15th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Thanks for that article. We are currently living in Napoli and tomorrow will definately visit this coffee shop. I’ll feedback you later.
Chiao e bacci
January 15th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I love Nutella and Italians like their own invention too, so they use and eat it whenever they can. Piadini con nutella! Nutella ice cream! I’ll try to find an adress that sells this type coffee in the region where I live.
January 16th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
I soooo miss Italy.. especially when I see your posts. Pic looks great too!
January 16th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Sounds and looks delicious. I must try making one myself. Thanks you
January 16th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
We were there! A wonderful piazza and delightful place! But we didn’t know about this drink! Beware – Nutella is habit forming (and fabulous on a slice of bread)!
January 18th, 2010 at 5:47 am
i’m sure i will love it soon I’ll try it.Giuseppa
January 18th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I’m in the midst of a book where Naples, and the delights of Naples are shared. The Caffé al bacio…. bring one back to the states. Freeze it, dehydrate it, whatever, just bring one back.
January 18th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
All these replies about nutella and not one word about kissing? Hmmm.
January 26th, 2010 at 4:38 am
[...] in the morning without half-a-pot of coffee. Well, this Neapolitan joint seems to have created my dream bevvie. Are we surprised it’s called “Coffee with a Kiss”? Even better: the caffe is [...]