 | Rob Mortimer
United Kingdom |  |
Papillon delivers a night I can’t forget!
Hmmm… now I wasn’t expecting THAT!
I had the absolute delight of being invited along to a meal for two at Papillon last night. I call it a delight, as for those that know me and at my ‘time of life’, you’ll know I’m not really into fine dining… more a steak & chips with some friends. More so, the thought of sitting eating while watching a show was/ is something a little unusual for me. After a busy week, I honestly hadn’t even bothered to look up Papillon and what it was about. The first hints were coming from my wife, who researches everything, as she looked at me in dismay when I showered and climbed into the car in fresh jeans and polo shirt and she tells me ‘Rob, it says formal dress code!’ My Spidey senses start telling me this is going to be different and I’m already out of my comfort zone. A few more ‘teases’ along the way and I’m ready to go home. Thank God I didn’t!
We arrived just before 8pm and were greeted at the door by a very friendly hosting team and shown to our table for two which turned out to arguably be the best seats in the house! Not a word was said about my informal dress code, but after seeing the effort other diners had made with shimmering dresses and spectacular evening wear, I won’t make the same mistake again. My wife had made the effort and looked great BTW! Now, don’t get me wrong, we were made to feel very special and welcome (as I noticed was everyone, with a very attentive and polished hosting and waiting crew!) but I felt I had missed out.
The venue is very chic. Subdued lighting from the start with a slight whiff of late 80’s nightclub meets an intimate Parisian boudoir. Sitting right in front of the stage, I hadn’t felt anticipation like this since a theatre on Drury Lane in London. The atmosphere carried this through. I still hadn’t checked to see what we were in for…
The package menu was simple, with 2 starters that were both brought to your table, the choice from 4 mains, which were accompanied by 2 sides, and a few deserts. Unlimited drinks were part of the Wednesday night deal, including Gin, Vodka & Rum based cocktails. Our host was quick to explain the format, we were served with drinks almost immediately and our main course choices were taken. Then the hard part came… I had to talk to the wife while the place filled up!
The venue is quite small, but the tables are well laid out to give you the feeling of space, but cosy. I love people watching and I wasn’t disappointed. There were those that obviously knew why they were there and then there was me!
We’d been told that food would start to arrive, and the show would kick off at 9pm to 9.15pm. I’ll get the food out of the way first! It was an inspired menu that easily catered for even the fussiest of simple loving people (like me!). Each course, simple, yet full of new flavours. I had the fillet steak as a main, she had mushroom risotto. I tried some of the risotto – I hate mushrooms! I had more. The fine dining experience lived up to the expectation… but then the red lights flashed above the stage…
WOW. Just WOW. The opening set of singing and dancing… more than just a little raunchy, sexy, hints of burlesque and a whole lot of naughty and cheeky undertones had me falling in love with each of the performers as the night went on and my poor old heart not sure how much more classy teasing I could take. I had to force myself to look around the room to see how others were reacting and I was delighted to see that for once, people were absolutely engaged and not viewing the show from behind their phones. Granted, there were some pictures taken and a few people videoing the different sets, but overall, we were all mesmerised and not wanting to miss any of the fabulous choreography or performer’s skill, it was amazing. so well done.
The first two (I think) sets were full of singing and dancing girls… I sat smirking inside thinking what a great night being able to watch stunning girls while I eat and drink, with the wife sitting next to me seemingly enjoying herself. Then came the third set. My inner peace shattered as ‘he’ takes to the stage with moves and a body that I can proudly say was just like mine 25 years ago (ahem…). My wife now looks over at me and smirks back.
Truly, the shows continued to be exceptional. The service and attentiveness to every detail, folding your napkin and placing it on the table if you had a bathroom break, checking if you have everything you need, the efforts on correctly serving you, all noted and impressive.
If there was anything I could put as a slight negative, where we were sitting had a steady AC ‘breeze’ which I’m sure was necessary but freezing. My advice, while choosing your formal wear, consider a jacket, shawl or cardy as towards the end of the night it was a little too cold.
Back to the shows. Exceptional. Each short ‘scene’ was full of creativity, a bit of a story, lots of sauce and the best bit, you’re made to feel part of it with the closeness and the eye contact. Every one of the performers knew how to work the room, with part of the choreography bringing them into the audience. I was waiting eagerly for the interludes to be over and the next performance to begin… and I wasn’t disappointed.
From a ‘man’s man’ trust me, I was apprehensive but ended up delighted. Probably one of the most enjoyable nights I have had in Dubai, with a concept where if you’d have asked me, ‘Rob, do you fancy going to…’ before last night it would have been a resounding no! Last night I booked a table for four to take two friends who won’t be sure, but I know they’ll love it too!
Try it once, I guarantee you’ll want to book to go back.
Highly recommended.
Thank you Papillon. You’ve created a masterpiece and opened my eyes!
Wednesday night package is AED 395.00 including unlimited drinks including Prosecco, AED 580.00 (I think) if you opt for the Champers package.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights are Al a carte, with a French themed menu.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
Amazing Attentive Impressive Unique Tasty | |
07-07-2022
