Restaurante Botín, Madrid (2014)

Restaurante Botín has the honor of being the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. And for good reason. I’ve eaten here many times and each time it has been fantastic.

Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

It’s located just off the Plaza Mayor. A reservation is a good idea, but I’ve often just popped in and got a table. I keep the meals simple here, going with traditional favorites and always starting with a bottle of wine.

A bottle of Rueda at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

A bottle of Rueda at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

I started this particular lunch with a salad, but forget to snap a photo until I was half way through:

Half way through my salad at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

Half way through my salad at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

For the main dish, I like traditional local fare, such as this roast chicken with potatoes:

Roast chicken with potatoes at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

Roast chicken with potatoes at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

It was perfectly cooked and delicious, served by professional staff that know the business. Of course, dessert and coffee is a must. Here you have a chocolate cake and apple torte, two favorites:

Dessert at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

Dessert at Restaurante Botín, Madrid, Spain.

I look forward to returning soon to Botín. Enjoy every meal and take your time!

Bloody Mary at Scott’s Brats, Aruba (2014)

Scott’s Brats on Palm Beach Aruba features a Bloody Mary bar, where you can make your own drink. Join me for a video visit:

Enjoy that Bloody Mary with a breakfast burrito or muffin sandwich. If you arrive for lunch, try the bratwurst, Italian sausage, or one of the other great snacks you’ll find at Scott’s Brats. Where else can you sit on the beach with some great comfort food? No where but Scott’s Brats, Palm Beach, Aruba!

Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid

On Calle Cava Baja in Madrid, among all those wondering tapas joints, you’ll find Alma de Julián Becerro, a shop par excellence for some of the best jamón in all of Spain.

Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid.

Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid.

Inside there are many varieties of jamón to purchase in different price ranges.

Jamónes hanging on the wall at Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid.

Jamónes hanging on the wall at Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid.

There’s always a skilled and knowledgeable fellow there ready to give you information about the meats as well as to slice them for you, perhaps from this selection in the middle of the store:

Various jamónes available for slicing at Alma de Julián Becerro.

Various jamónes available for slicing at Alma de Julián Becerro.

Or, you might choose a pre-sliced pack from the case such as one of these:

Prepacked meats and wine at Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid, Spain.

Prepacked meats and wine at Alma de Julián Becerro, Madrid, Spain.

Don’t forget to select a delicious bottle of wine. There are so many good foods to choose from in Spain that you’ll find yourself wanting to stay for a long, long time.

Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia (2014)

Hotel Palacio San Facundo stands on its own tiny square very close to the heart of Segovia’s old town.

Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia, Spain.

Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia, Spain.

From here, it is an easy walk to the Plaza Mayor, cathedral, and many great restaurants. I took a standard room for this visit.

Standard room at Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia, Spain.

Standard room at Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia, Spain.

And here’s view of the bathroom as well:

Bathroom in standard room at Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia, Spain.

Bathroom in standard room at Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia, Spain.

Sleeping here was easy, as the hotel is away from the bustle of the plaza mayor. Yet only a couple of blocks away you’ll find some great places for snacks and drinks. Also, this central courtyard provides an excellent space for dining or business meetings.

Courtyard of Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia, Spain.

Courtyard of Hotel Palacio San Facundo, Segovia, Spain.

The hotel has onsite parking, which may be useful if your traveling by car. Staff are friendly and helpful, providing great recommendations for dining and the sights to see. Take your time, but do as much as you can.