There are some remarkable restaurants around the globe, like an eatery in Norway that gives patrons amazing underwater views or one in Italy that’s nestled into the side of a cliff. But unless you have dined at a specific spot in Madrid, you have not yet eaten at the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world.
In 1725, a French cook named Jean Botín and his wife, a woman from Spain’s Asturias region, opened Restaurante Botín in Calle de Cuchilleros, in the heart of Madrid near the Plaza Mayor. The building itself dates back to 1590, according to Guinness.
And while the restaurant is praised for its savory, succulent roast meats, it is the wood-burning oven that makes the establishment even more phenomenal.
“It is our jewel. Our crown jewel,” Luis Javier Sanchez, who is deputy manager of the restaurant and has worked there for 41 years, told Food & Wine in 2018. “The oven has been burning continuously for 293 years. I’ll repeat that: 293 years. We never put it out. It needs to keep hot at night and be ready to roast in the morning. That’s the reason why we must never put it out. There is a special aroma in there; it’s truly incredible.”
The restaurant recently shared a photo of the centuries-old fire burning in the oven on Facebook with the caption, “Nuestro horno de leña encendido desde 1725,” which loosely translates to, “Our wood-fired oven since 1725.”
Founders Botín and his wife never had children, so when they passed away, Mrs. Botín’s nephew took over. The restaurant’s name was changed from Casa Botín to Sobrino de Botín (“nephew of Botín”). The eatery was first named the world’s oldest in the 1987 edition of Guinness’ record book.
Around the turn of the 20th century, Amparo Martín and her husband, Emilio González, took over the restaurant. At that time, Botín had just seven employees, including the couple and their three children. The family lived in the two floors above the business and used the wine cellar for storage.
During the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, the restaurant became a dining room for members of the military. Following the war, the González’s sons took the reins and gradually renovated the restaurant into what it is today: four floors preserving the charming atmosphere of a traditional tavern.
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This article originally appeared on Simplemost and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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25 exciting bucket-list travel destinations
Since the coronavirus crisis hit the United States in early 2020, the travel industry has slowed to a crawl. Not only have travel restrictions been enacted by state and local governments, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends staying home as much as possible if your trip is not essential.
On top of that, many Americans are simply nervous about traveling. A survey conducted in April found that 74 percent of participants reported feeling anxious about traveling within the United States Meanwhile, international travel is still severely restricted across the globe.
With Americans more or less stuck at home, unsure about when they can take that trip they had already planned before the pandemic came to town, we wondered what trips people are fantasizing about taking once they can feel free to move about the country and world.
As you consider your travel plans, keep in mind there may be some great bargains available as airlines and destinations vie for your business. Here are some travel agent secrets for picking your next vacation destination, and 11 ways to save on last-minute trips.
Here are 25 trips people told us they are eager to take:
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Dubbed “The Land of Fire and Ice,” Iceland boasts volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal baths … the list goes on. Kris Miller of Brogue, Virginia, longs for this view of a glacier in Iceland, which she and her family visited last June. She says, “Iceland is accessible, fascinating, inspiring, and strange: glaciers, reindeer, blue whales, puffins, sunsets that roll along the horizon before turning into sunrises, waterfalls, Vikings. Elves.” Sounds pretty good.
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A nation of 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean (only about 200 of which are inhabited), the Maldives boasts 5 percent of the world’s coral reefs, which are home to a thousand species of fish. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and water sports such as diving, snorkeling, surfing, parasailing, windsurfing and fishing. It’s also known for the hefty price tag of a vacation there. But if you can swing it, this bucket list item is worth it.
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Kathie Sever, who now lives in Austin, Texas, but grew up in California, has her backpack packed and is just waiting for the National Park System to give the go-ahead to issue backcountry permits. She recalls from her childhood that “there was a generally agreed-upon snobbery surrounding California’s coast and Sierra Nevada range as being the pinnacle of what the Earth had to offer — and both were enjoyed in near-solitude, and with a fair amount of physical travail involved.”
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Attracting people from all over the world, Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, boasting pristine white beaches edging the clear blue water of the Côte d’Azur, a vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture and gorgeous views from the hills. Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall both lived in Nice for many years, if that’s any indication of the city’s potential for artistic inspiration. And there’s a reason Nice is a foodie destination: The traditional Niçoise salad originated in Nice to celebrate the bounty of fresh local produce and high-quality ingredients.
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Technically a group of islands rather than just one, Santorini is known as a wedding, beach and culinary destination. It’s also an active volcano, whose crater lies in the Aegean Sea. Julie Leta of Cincinnati, Ohio, can’t wait to get back to Greece, specifically to Santorini, for four or five nights after revisiting Italy. Battling surgeries and illness for the past year, she says she wants to take this trip “sooner than later. The last year has taught me we have less time than we think.”
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For those “in the know,” Big Bend National Park and the surrounding Texas cities of Terlingua, Marathon and Alpine are an incredibly beautiful, quiet escape for the outdoor enthusiast and lover of deserts, prairies, mountains and the accompanying flora and fauna. On the list of the least-visited U.S. national parks, Big Bend had just 440,000 visitors in 2018 (compare that to the Great Smoky Mountains at 11.4 million or the Grand Canyon at 6.4 million). The park will woo you with its landscapes, hikes, petroglyphs, starry nights, natural hot springs along the Rio Grande River and more.
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Mexico City is one of the most European cities in North America Known for its amazing cuisine and architecture, Mexico City surrounds also contain incredibly diverse ecosystems and cultural traditions, so the area has wide and delicious appeal.
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Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is one of the most visited areas in the state. The park features waterfalls (like Devil’s Bathtub) caves (like the ever-popular Old Man’s Cave) and deep gorges (like Conkle’s Hollow.) You can stay in a secluded cabin or treehouse, camp, hike, bike, rock-climb, fish and ride horses. London Hampshire of Cincinnati, Ohio, who’s expecting her first child in July, fantasizes about her first vacation post-baby. “I want to hike all over between nap times. We would get a log cabin and I would sit by a campfire and look at the stars and commune with nature.”
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A small South Pacific Island (just six miles long) in French Polynesia just northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora is a honeymoon destination famous for its luxury resorts, snorkeling, seclusion and expense. Kari Anne Holt of Austin, Texas, got to see it as a stop on her “Big Gay Cruise” honeymoon and can’t wait to go back. “I always said I would never go on a cruise — I was afraid of germs and seasickness,” she recalls. “But my wife said, ‘What if we take a luxury ship around French Polynesia? What if it’s with 1,600 members of the family? What if we overnight in Bora Bora?’ It was a trifecta of perfection.”
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While there are 172 islands comprising what’s known as the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in the Pacific Northwest, the most popular areLopez Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island. Visitors here enjoy whale watching, kayaking, hiking and more. Todd Shuster of Bellingham, Washington, and owner-operator of Gato Verde Adventure Sailing, said the U.S. tourism industry will need support once people can travel again. “I may be biased,” he says,” but domestic travel destinations will be needing lots of love in the next year or two.”
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One of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal is also one of the most visited, due to its affordability, climate and the diversity of attractions. From the Algarve — a long stretch of beaches and towns in southern Portugal — to the capital city of Lisbon with its Gothic cathedrals and rustic architecture, there’s so many places to see and do. Sorin Neacsu of San Francisco can’t wait to return, remarking that “it’s a super chill place with very friendly people who are not very fond of rules.”
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Located just off the toe of the “boot” of Italy, Sicily is the largest of the Mediterranean islands. Some of the best-preserved Greek ruins are located there, such as The Valley of the Temples, as well as resort towns and beautiful beaches. And of course, there’s the food: From arancini and pasta alla Norma (named after the 19th century opera) to cannoli and granita, you could plan your whole trip around what dishes to eat and what wine to drink.
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Because Maine has more coastline than California, there are plenty of scenic destinations to choose from. One of the most visited is the Southern Maine Coast, with seaside towns including Kittery, York, Wells, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. In the summer, you can explore both sandy and rocky beaches, marvel at Maine’s lighthouses, eat your weight in lobster and bask in the cool air.
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A Southeast Asian nation made up of 17,000 volcanic islands, Indonesia is known for its beaches, volcanoes, jungles and bustling cities such as Jakarta, Bandung and Magelang on the island of Java. Or you may prefer to visit a pearl farm, go snorkeling on the island of Lombok or marvel at the ancient temples on the island of Bali. Ryan Spencer, an American now living in Milan, Italy, had planned a three-month trip to Indonesia with his family before the coronavirus crisis hit. “COVID put a wet blanket on the plans for sure,” he says. We hope the travel restrictions are lifted soon.
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Dreaming of a trip to the Emerald Isle? Whether you want to soak up history by visiting ancient castles and abbeys or experience diverse landscapes such as the lakes of Killarney or the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary with places to go. Dublin’s top attractions can keep you busy for a week. For that matter, so can a week exploring small towns and popping in their local pubs for a pint. Mishelle Speiser Mullinger of Mason, Ohio, can’t wait to take her kids “to the land of their people,” she says. “The Irish are by far the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
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The charming city of Wilmington may be the perfect place to recover from your COVID-induced ennui. Its beautiful beaches and historic landmarks, such as the WWII Battleship North Carolina, are also particularly family-friendly. Charter a fishing expedition from Carolina Beach, or a scuba dive to see the shipwreck, The Condor, from Kure Beach. Breathe in the salt air, eat fresh seafood and greet the day with a sun salutation on the beach.
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Jessica Hedrick of Chicago, Illinois, can’t wait to get back to Japan during cherry blossom season, which the Japanese celebrate with cherry-blossom viewing parties called Hanami. “In addition to the staggering beauty of the trees themselves, all of Japan comes out to take close-ups of the flowers,” she says. “You can see people of all ages bending over, looking up, snapping photos of the blossoms as if the flowers were celebrities.”
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The gateway to the Snowy Range Mountains, Centennial is small (population: 270), quaint and a perfect basecamp for your mountain adventures. The Snowy Range Ski Resort, located just 5 miles from Centennial, is generally regarded as the perfect place to learn to ski due to its friendly staff and down-to-earth clientele. During the summer, don’t miss driving the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, 29 miles of Highway 130 through the mountains. Maybe you’ll spot bighorn sheep, yellow-bellied marmots or the northern three-toed woodpecker.
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Any vacation destination list isn’t complete without The Big Apple, especially in light of how hard the city was hit by Covid-19. Whether you want to spend your trip entirely in Manhattan or explore another borough such as Queens or Brooklyn, make sure to embrace the subway, wear your most comfy walking shoes and bring an appetite. If you want to cook, shop at a local market such as Chelsea Market or Gansevoort Market. Eat pizza at a mom-and-pop neighborhood joint or snack on a hot pretzel from a street cart. Take in a Broadway show while you’re there (Hamilton, anyone?), and visit all the museums you can, of course.
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Located in Northern New Mexico in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is small (population: 5,971) but a mighty representation of the beauty of northern New Mexico. Among the highlights are the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, where you can marvel at the geological force of nature as you peer at the river 650 feet below; the Taos Pueblo, a National Historic Landmark and site of the country’s oldest continually inhabited community; and dozens of art galleries that celebrate the region’s artistic talent. Consider staying in an earthship, an off-the-grid dwelling pioneered by architect Michael Reynolds and constructed out of recycled materials such as tires, bottles and cans.
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Lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, gorgeous beaches and friendly residents are a recipe for an unforgettable vacation — and Costa Rica has all that and more. This small Latin American country invites you to zip-line through the rainforests, surf at several world-renowned beaches or hike La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you might see jaguars, howling spider monkeys, an abundance of butterflies, and of course, waterfalls. Then there’s the reggae, the coffee and the chicharrones.
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The smallest island of the Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico is just 110 miles long and 35 miles wide, which means you can explore much of the territory in just one trip. The capital city of San Juan is a natural place to start with its unique neighborhoods, including the historic Old San Juan and Santurce, a mecca for lovers of music and the arts. Then don’t miss the island of Vieques, where you might see wild horses run on the black sand beaches or a bioluminescent tide at Mosquito Bay (considered to be the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world).
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The Crescent City is known all over the world for its culture, food, music and annual Mardi Gras parades. From the amazing architecture and music venues of the 300-year-old French Quarter (so much more to it than Bourbon Street!) to the multiple museums in City Park to the shopping on Magazine Street, New Orleans is buzzing with a “laissez les bon temps rouler” vibe everywhere you go. And you won’t regret a visit to the Rock’n’Bowl.
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Located off coastal Queensland, The Whitsunday Islands are home to Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the world and the largest living structure (it’s visible from outer space!). While the Whitsundays comprise 74 separate islands, most of them are uninhabited, but four are incredible travel destinations: Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Long Island and Daydream Island. These are famous for the fine white sand of their beaches, the acrobatics of humpback whales, the ancient rock art of Australia’s earliest indigenous peoples, and all the water sports you can think of (snorkeling, sailing, rafting, kayaking and more).
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The coronavirus has hit the economy of Hawaii particularly hard (tourism accounts for a whopping 20 percent of the state’s economy) so when it’s safe to travel again, let’s say aloha to our friends there. Maui, the second largest island, is truly a paradise of stunning beaches, farms, hiking trails, snorkeling, stargazing and whale-watching. Savor Hawaii Regional Cuisine with produce picked fresh from farms and fish just caught from the sea. Best of all, Maui is known for its warm, welcoming spirit. And we could all use that post-pandemic.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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