It’s aperitivo time. Do you know where you are?<\/p>\n
If you’re at the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, hopefully you’re at the Chandon Garden Spritz Lounge. <\/p>\n
This alfresco dining area, which opened this year, is set up adjacent to the hotel’s swimming pools and is an ideal place to wind down on a hot summer day at the hotel.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Get there at opening time for an Aperol spritz or one of my favorites, the straight-up glass of bubbly (Moet & Chandon here, if you please). It also sells its namesake, the Chandon Garden Spritz, which is a Champagne that includes hints of orange, herbs and spices; it’s garnished with a sprig of rosemary. <\/p>\n
The restaurant makes a Negroni in addition to other, non-when-in-Rome cocktails like margaritas and mai tais. And in the modern spirit, it has a short list of creative low-alcohol and zero-proof drinks.<\/p>\n
Order what you like but know that an Aperol or Garden spritz matches perfectly with the orangy cushions on the teak chairs and sets off the cream-colored shade umbrellas. <\/p>\n
Oh, you want to eat, too? The menu is a mix of crudo, sushi and light appetizers. A Green Egg Grill menu includes skewers of grilled chicken, steak, fish and vegetarian options.<\/p>\n
Best of all is the atmosphere of being in the Cavalieri’s extensive grounds at sunset. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n