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Botín

I've been to Madrid a few times now, and only recently have I gone to Botín. It is the oldest restaurant to keep its doors open. Since 1725, it has been open and serving food in the same location. Hemingway also enjoyed eating there. Being a literature lover and a lover of Spanish food, I had to go there. The menus are in English and Spanish. You can sit at Hemingway's table on the "top" floor (you may want to make a reservation), which is the floor on street level, or you can eat in the "cave." We chose to eat downstairs, which definitely felt like going back in time. In general, you may want to make a reservation, which can be done online as well. The wait staff are friendly, courteous, and professional, which is something the average Madrid restaurant does not offer. We were told to order a soufflé for dessert, which is not on the menu. However, be sure to order it with the rest of your food because it takes a while to prepare.

Me in front of the restaurant. 

This was where Hemingway sat.

Me standing near his table.

This was the roof of the "cave"

The old-fashioned doorway. We were in a smaller room downstairs, which was cozy, but I would not recommend it if you are claustrophobic.

My suckling pig. It looks small, but it was filling and delicious. They cook it in an old-fashioned tile oven, which is quite uncommon. It's a specialty of the house.

The other dish was a steak with mushrooms. I heard it was good, but I didn't try it, since I don't like mushrooms.

Also, the house wine is great. It surprised me, though it shouldn't have. Does bad wine even exist in Spain?

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