Michelangelo Fortress

We were met at the airport in Rome by the hotel driver who was lovely and pushed our luggage all the way to the parking garage. The drive to Civitivecchia took about 45 minutes. We checked into Hotel Porto di Roma and chilled/napped for a while. We went exploring the town and saw about four cruise ships lined up and after a while two departed at sunset. We found a sunny spot to stop for cocktails- Negroni for Chris and Aperol Spritz for me. We walked a little farther and found a cathedral and an interesting statue before turning back to an area with several restaurants that the hotel desk clerk had recommended. We settled on Cafe American only because it was one of the few places that had customers at the time. Wow, did we hit the jackpot!! The owner made us a plate of seafood appetizers and said that it was ‘necessary’ to have some white wine with it!! Everything was delish but I let Chris enjoy the pulpo!! We discussed dessert options and the owner, Sergio, suggested ice cream and said that he would make something. OMG it was amazing. Ice cream, vodka, lemon juice, and champagne served in a margarita glass. It could be dessert or a cocktail.
Then he said that it was ‘necessary’ for a liquor. I’m not sure what it was but it wasn’t to my liking. Moving along to paying the bill, somehow Chris and Sergio exchanged hats. Chris is now the owner of a very becoming straw hat and Sergio has a ball cap from Bainbridge Island!!
We promised to go back tomorrow night for pasta and the dessert recipe!!!Read more