Hello, dear readers!
Today's entry is somewhat personal and special. I've just celebrated my 5th anniversary in Spain and I want to take you in for the ride.
Photo from Botin´s official website
Celebrating my 5th Spanniversary in/with Spain at the World´s Oldest Restaurant, Botin!
One thing you should know about me is that I'm a sucker for anniversaries. I love love love celebrating them. My boyfriend teases me sometimes at how I make anniversaries out of almost any thing LOL. I'm guilty! But also, in my defence, these are not just ~any thing~ .. these are moments and milestones that I want to remember - that I want to celebrate - for years to come.
And what better way to celebrate my love story with Mother Spain than to devour the juiciest cochinillo (roast suckling pig) at the world's oldest restaurant AKA: Sobrino de Botín!
Fun Fact: Known as the “oldest” restaurant in the world, Restaurante Sobrino de Botín was founded in 1725 and is known worldwide due to its merits and accolades. Forbes named it one of the Top 3 Greatest Classic Restaurants in the World while Ernest Hemingway mentioned it in his novel, “The Sun Also Rises.”
From their website, they wrote: Our mission is therefore that the customs and history of Madrid are felt in every bite. To continue to inspire writers and artists, and for them to continue to sit their characters at our table. But, above all, we want to continue conquering the palate and soul of each of our diners, with the care and attention we put into each dish and our service.
Photo from Botin´s official website
Me and the boyfriend dined there for lunch and we loved every bit of it! We started off with some entrantes - croquetas de jamón y queso, queso de cabra (goat cheese) paired with vino tinto (red wine). For mains, we both had our own plate of crispy cochinillo. And for dessert we chose tarta botín - a cream-filled flavourful dessert that's a perfect match con un cafecito.
PURE FOODIE HEAVEN (CHEF´S KISS!)
All in all, the experience was top-notch, the service impeccable. A master class in Spanish gastronomy, I highly-recommend it to any foodie who wants to taste the delicious goodness of Spanish cuisine. Price-wise, it's a bit on the pricier side - but for the experience, for the service, for the savoury gastronomy goodness - it's truly worth it!
PS: Tourists and locals alike flock to this restaurant on a daily basis. To make sure that you get a table, do book in advance (I had to book 2 months in advance to book a table for two 😳🥴) on their website.
Location: C. de Cuchilleros, 17, Centro, 28005 Madrid (2-min walk away from Plaza Mayor)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 1-4 PM ; 8-11 PM
Average Price Per Person: 60-80€
Phone Number: 913 66 42 17
Por muchos años mas, Madre España! Salud!
Congrats on 5 anniversary