Folly

Folly. A very frivolous name for a very serious venue. After a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, we return for a chilled Sunday afternoon escape. A happy hour cocktail and a quiet corner suits our mood perfectly and we find this at Folly.

On approach, the door swings open, thanks to the welcoming Matrtre’d . Despite the very refined baby shower reception taking place near the bar, we’re shown to a table that is both away from the action but with a full view.

I’m very tempted by the menu but it’s still only 5pm. Jason orders a beer and the oysters catch my eye. Seems like the perfect 5pm accompaniment to my aperitif. Ordinarily I’d pair the oysters with a sparkling wine but today I can’t go past the Fleur de Martini.

We chat for a while before Jason’s beer arrives, thankfully we’re not in a hurry. I put the delay in my drink down to the baby shower, but when my oysters arrive and I still don’t have a drink, I enquire. I’m informed it’s ready at the bar. What arrives is a Fancy Glasshouse (more about this shortly).

When questioned, how, the waiter is a consummate professional. He doesn’t miss a beat, leaving the incorrect drink at the table and a few minutes later, reappearing with my correct order.

The Fleur de Martini, as I had hoped, is exquisite and pairs perfectly with the oysters. Although a little unexpected, the orange blossom of the drink brings a sweetness that compliments both the salty sweetness of the oysters and the sourness of the accompanying vinaigrette. The elderflower and peach is harder to detect, yet it all blends so well that even the olives aren’t out of place as the classic martini style garnish.

The oysters themselves are fresh, plump and juicy. Just what you’d expect of a half dozen Dibba Bay No. 3’s.

I sip some more. The cocktail is a sophisticated mix of Tanqueray London Dry Gin, St Germain, peach liqueur, coconut, supasawa and orange blossom water.

During this time we relax and talk about plans for the rest of the year. The boys call and message about various things and we joke with them over WhatsApp. It’s pleasant to be able to leave them to their own devices for a while. Carving out time for just us is never easy so knowing we can manage it and still keep close to them when needed is reassuring.

After savoring my platter of tasty morsels and my complimentary and contrasting drink, I move on to my other complimentary drink, the one brought in error. What a fortuitous mistake this is!

The Fancy Glasshouse, made with Matusalem Platino, Malibu, pear & cinnamon syrup, pear purée, lime juice and tonic is like a little liquid dessert. Garnished with delicate pear slices and crushed rose petals stuck to the glass, it’s also a visual delight.

By now, Jason still isn’t peckish and we’re ready to go. However, as we settle the cheque, we agree that Folly is worth a revisit and after such a lovely first experience, I now have my sights on returning for brunch. Lingering longer over the sophisticated offerings of Folly for an afternoon would be a most welcome interlude to any weekend.

Good To Know

Folly is located at The Montgomerie golf course in Dubai’s Emirates Hills. The distinct glasshouse overlooks a terrace and lake that sits alongside the 18th tee. It’s a spectacular venue both for its appearance and for its culinary offerings.

Would I Return?

Yes. I’m plotting it now.