In the heart of Madrid, a culinary controversy simmers as two historic taverns, Sobrino de Botín and Casa Pedro, vie for the title of the world's oldest restaurant. Sobrino de Botín, currently holding the Guinness World Record, has been serving Castilian classics since 1725. However, Casa Pedro, located on the outskirts of Madrid, claims an even older lineage, asserting its establishment dates back to 1702.
The dispute has led Casa Pedro's eighth-generation proprietor, Irene Guiñales, to embark on a quest to prove her family's tavern's age. Despite the restaurant's logo boldly stating 'since 1702,' Guiñales acknowledges the need for concrete evidence. Hiring a historian, the family has uncovered documents tracing Casa Pedro's operations back to at least 1750, bringing them tantalizingly close to challenging Botín's record.
Both establishments share more than just a rivalry for the title. They are bastions of Castilian cuisine, offering dishes like stewed tripe and roast suckling pig, served in settings adorned with Spanish tiles and featuring ceilings with exposed wooden beams. Their rich histories are not just about food but also about the cultural and literary figures they've hosted over the centuries.
As the debate over which tavern holds the rightful claim to being the oldest continues, patrons of both establishments can enjoy not just a meal but a piece of history. Whether Casa Pedro can definitively prove its earlier origins remains to be seen, but the competition highlights the enduring appeal of Madrid's historic culinary scene.
Europe is currently enduring its first major heatwave of the summer, with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands experiencing some of the highest temperatures. Paris is forecasted to reach a scorching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting health warnings and the closure of over...
The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption, and Agenda 2030 has intensified pressure on Madrid's City Council to address the issue of illegal tourist apartments within the city. Following an initial warning in March, the ministry has now provided the council with a digital file...
Mediaset has officially announced Laila Jiménez as the new co-host of 'Todo es mentira', marking a significant transition for the show following Marta Flich's departure. Jiménez, a seasoned journalist known for her work on 'Informativos Telecinco', is set to bring her extensive experience and...
Spain has officially rolled out a new regulatory framework targeting short-term holiday rentals, a move aimed at aligning with European standards and addressing the country's housing crisis. Effective from July 1, the mandate requires all properties listed for tourism purposes, including...
Starting July 1, Renfe, Spain's national railway company, will phase out its free commuter passes, introducing a new system of discounted travel options aimed primarily at young people and children. This move marks the end of an era for free travel on Cercanías and Media Distancia routes,...
