Madrid Again

In the Cellar at Sobrino de Botín  

On line, the only reservations I could get at Sobrino de Botín was for late lunch on the day we flew back from Morocco. I booked it, but knew not a prayer of our making that, so while we were in Madrid, we walked over to the restaurant to ask about possibly changing times. “Sí, señora”, if we could come at the early time of 8:00 PM, right when the restaurant opens for the dinner meal. Absolutely. And as long as I was pushing my good luck, could we possible sit in the cellar, which Anna’s brother Jose said was the most fun. Another “Sí”, and we were set. 

 Botín, founded in 1725, claims to be the oldest restaurant in the world in continuous operation. At least the Guinness World Book of Records has awarded it that title. Goya worked as a waiter there, Ernest Hemingway ate there. A must do while in Madrid. 

Suckling Pig with Brussel Sprouts 

We were one of the first tables seated, but the restaurant filled quickly, with locals and tourists.  Of course we had its famous suckling pig and a bottle of their house wine. Absolutely delicious. 

The stairs to the cellar were so treacherous, we didn’t dare an after dinner drink. And of course the tiny bathroom was on the second floor. I tried to celebrate that my Merle boots gave me good support, rather than miss my black heels I’d packed for special occasions like this. 

We caught the subway back to our hotel near the airport. Splendid evening, splendid trip.