Howard’s Folly restaurant in Estremoz, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, is one of those restaurants offering a multi-sensorial experience. It is truly a destination dining spot combining cosmopolitan ambiance, with an impressive collection of international art, a portfolio of wines produced on site, and a creative menu of contemporary cuisine. Dive into Howard’s Folly for fine food, fascinating art and fun times.
Howards’ Folly winery and restaurant is a project of British businessman, art collector and former Hong Kong resident Howard Bilton. His love for Portuguese wine led him to winemaker extraordinaire David Baverstock. (In fact, David is the only non-Portuguese national to win Portugal Winemaker of the Year…two times…2013 and 2015.) Together, they established vineyards in the Portalegre region and converted a castle-like heritage building in the center of Estremoz into a winery, culture center and this restaurant.
The restaurant is a stark contrast to the historic façade of the winery. Once inside, the environment is light and open, with art and design elements everywhere you look. Portuguese and European artists are on display, but much of the contemporary paintings and sculptures have been brought over from Howard’s years of collecting in Asia. There are many captivating and mesmerizing art pieces, furniture items and architectural surprises that make the space hip, unique and enchanting.
The cuisine is just as interesting and creative as the surroundings, offering “local dishes with a twist.” At this writing, the menu is broken down into three categories—In the Garden, The Sea and The Land—which should entice the palate of every foodie.
From In the Garden, veggie-lovers might enjoy plates of burrata, grilled lettuce heart, sun-dried tomato pesto, or shitake mushrooms, gnocchi, truffle oil.
From The Sea, the scarlet prawn, curry, soyabean shoots, almond, kefir lime, coconut rice is appealing, as is the red mullet, coriander migas, caviar.
Selections featuring land-based proteins include Jerusalem artichoke, 62º egg, and pork jowl from Dª Otávia, also Angus steak, balsamic vinegar, sheep’s cheese, crispy onion, coriander, and spiced lamb, tortilla, cabbage, spring onion.
Finish up with a delicious pennyroyal custard with rice paper and gooseberry, or chocolate textures, white chocolate ice cream, dry nut crumble, to name a couple options.
Choosing a wine to complement the meal will be as difficult as selecting the meal itself. Howards Folly has a selection of nice whites and reds produced locally, including reserves and limited editions. A handful of wines from neighboring vineyards are also available.
After the meal, don’t rush out. The bar lounge is very comfortable and inviting. Grab a digestif, peruse the art, and mix and mingle with other like-minded, cultural, food and wine aficionados.
For more information, visit the Howard’s Folly website.
Howard’s Folly Restaurant
Rua General Norton de Matos
Estremoz
Alentejo
Phone: +351 268 332 151
Hours:
Wednesday – 19:30 to 23:00
Thursday to Saturday – 12:30 to 23:00 (bar closes at 2:00)
Sunday – 12:30 to 17:00
