DINNER AT THE OLDEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD – MADRID, SPAIN
DINNER AT THE OLDEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD – MADRID, SPAIN
If you’ve been following me on our “Iberian Odyssey,” you already know that we rented a flat in central Madrid near the Plaza Mayor from a company called “Spain Select.” It was in a lively district with many pedestrian-0nly streets that are busy at all hours of the day and night. We were able to make our way on foot to many of Madrid’s most interesting attractions and restaurants.
Reliving many of my childhood memories of visits to Madrid, now it was my opportunity to share some of my favorite places in the capital city of Spain with my youngest son, Austin. Tonight I planned to take him to a restaurant that lives in my child’s, mind’s-eye as though it were yesterday. I first experienced this institution of a restaurant at the age of 11. Even at that tender age I could recognize a good thing when I tasted it.
On this street, reached by way of the Plaza Mayor and down the flight of stairs running within that archway known as Arco de Cuchilleros (just behind Austin) lies “Restaurante Sobrino de Botin.” Founded in 1725, Botin is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest working restaurant in the world!
I dined with my father here, dare I say decades ago, and now it was time for Austin to do the same. As a young girl, I remember being charmed by the ancient atmosphere of Botin, where time seemed to have stood still.
Upon entering, you are greeted by the typical sight of Jamon Serrano being thinly sliced and plated. This delicacy of cured pork is similar to its Italian cousin Prosciutto, but every Spaniard would argue that it is far superior. Also on display are the popular thick white asparagus spears, considered a highly prized culinary delicacy in Spain.
I had made reservations online from home before our trip. Because we were dining early by Spanish standards, there was no waiting. We were lead down ancient wooden stairs………………..
………………..then through the crowded dining room to our cosy table located in what seemed like a little cave or alcove that held only two tables. The walls were made of stone and the ceiling of ancient brick.
A wrought iron chandelier illuminated the room………………..
Along with lights buried in the bricks and festooned with pretty plates.
Rastaurante Botin is frequented by locals and tourists alike, although I have read some reviews that consider it “touristy.” Regardless, its atmosphere is worth the price of admission and I consider the food an added benefit.
We started the meal with a bottle of Botin’s house white wine. Wine in Spain is generally quite good and this was no exception.
Botin is famous for their “cochinillo asado” which is a roasted suckling pig, prepared in ancient wood burning ovens that produce succulent pork with a very crispy skin. It is served simply with roasted potatoes on the side. This is what I came here for!
And it is what I had brought Austin here to enjoy as well. We were not disappointed.
Brad ordered steak instead. He enjoyed it, but nothing lives up to the taste of baby piglet cooked in 300 year old ovens.
Furthering my trip down memory lane, I ordered Fresas con Nata, strawberries with whipped cream. When in Spain as a child I used to order strawberries with every meal. There is just something unexplainably delicious about Spanish strawberries, they just taste more delicious. And the cream does too.
Brad and Austin ended their meals with the most typical of all Spanish desserts, Flan. I got a taste and it too was good enough to write home about.
And of course no Spanish meal is complete without an espresso!
Just up the street from Botin lies another of Madrid’s famous restaurants, Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas. Las Cuevas means “the caves” in Spanish and this restaurant is actually housed in caves located under the Arco de Cuchilleros. In the early 1800’s these caves were a hideout for a famous bandit known as Luis Candelas. The legend of Luis Candelas lived on when in 1949 the caves were purchased by a famous Spanish Bullfighter named Felix Colomo Diez and turned into the restaurant it is today. I have vivid memories of enjoying delicious meals here too when I was a young girl visiting Madrid with my dad. At that time the bullfighter himself greeted the guests and meeting him left a lasting impression in my memories of Spain. I remember the walls of the restaurant being decorated with bullfighting paraphernalia which was impressive to a wide-eyed 11 year old. I returned here many times on subsequent visits to Spain, but did not have time for a visit on this trip.
On this same street are many other charming and traditional restaurants. I have not eaten here, but could not resist taking a photo of its lovely exterior.
I caught this waiter at work in yet another charming institution.
As well as this gentleman amid a beautiful backdrop of Jamon and other delicacies.
I wish we could have dined in them all, but alas, my time in Madrid was nearing an end.
Have you ever dined at any of these famous Madrid institutions? Do tell!
So there you have it: DINNER AT THE OLDEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD – MADRID, SPAIN
All opinions expressed in this post are my own. All photos are the original property of Celia Becker @ www.AfterOrangeCounty.com and may not be reproduced without specific permission.
