Remember that scene in Eat Pray Love where Julia Roberts devours a cup of gelato beside nuns? Yes, I was on the lookout for THAT yesterday.
On my last visit to Rome in 2010, I was already hunting down the famed gelateria ever since I read the book, and got prodded by friends to try the gelato there. Apparently, amidst a myriad of gelaterias in Roma, this was THE best one. But alas, when I visited on that Sunday, the storefront was CLOSED. sigh.
Gelateria San Crispino
It’s not very difficult to find since it’s on an offstreet towards the Fontana di Trevi. The sign, nondescript. Not even the word Gelateria is visible from the exterior.
But when I came nearer towards the entrance, all the accolades from culinary and travel experts seem to agree with Liz Gilbert and my gelato crazed friends
The interesting thing about San Crispino is that, it definitely does not attempt to wow you with visuals. The assortment of gelato flavors are all kept under wraps sealed and with aluminum enclosure. This is to keep the freshness intact as well as to allow you to imagine just how delicious it is when you open it. This is not your candy store of a gelateria, that’s for sure.
Choose your cup size. Definitely more expensive than others, but it’s because they use only natural and fresh ingredients. They also don’t go crazy on the concoctions, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves.
When asked for my flavor preference, I decided to let the Gelato Man give me his recommendations
Miele + Valrhona
Honey and Valrhona Chocolate Gelato
First of all, the Valrhona chocolate was creamy and decadent. Not too sweet which allowed the mellow tones of cocoa to really shine through. But the Miele, ahh, was like pure honey in my mouth. The sweet lightness of the honey was like champagne in my mouth, lingering on my palate and waiting for the next spoonful. This was, definitely, the best gelato flavor I have had.
It was so good, I had to find a spot to just stand back, enjoy my gelato, and enjoy the fact that I was practicing the famed Italian art of il dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing. Now that Roomie is here, I’m taking here there right now!
Via della Panetteria, 42
00187 Rome, Italy
06 679 3924
3 comments
blankpixels of Certified Foodies says:
Dec 28, 2011
So jealous. @_@
ariel says:
Dec 29, 2011
The ice cream of the crispy saint! (according to Liz Gilbert) ha ha ha
Tourist Sights and Local Fare at Piccolo Buco | Trip or Treats says:
Jan 25, 2012
[...] 11:10 am 1 Comment So after a whole day spent by myself, unpacking, settling in Rome, lunching and gelato-ing. I was pooped. I was also excited for Roomie to arrive, since her flight was right around [...]