Terre

Has to be up there with the best in the world! We enjoyed a 5 hour journey through the amazing experience provided at Terre. From the moment you step into the preserve hallway you sense something special is about to happen. This is the start of the first ‘chapter’ in the Terre adventure. After being guided into the kitchen area to be seated at the chefs table you start with a number of ‘snacks’ which commence with a delicate floral bite sized creation escalating in intensity and flavour after each piece is served. Ranging from citrus notes to smokiness and seafood it’s only a teaser for what’s to come. You are almost overcome with the atmosphere , the presence of the Head Chef Vincent Crepel, the music and the activity levels. You also get a tour of the food and it’s provenance before being seated for the next phase of the experience the website refers to his style as being precise and based in nature and this is evident from the start as the assistant describes ingredients from Ballycotton to Kilkenny and then to France, Spain and Japan . Chapter 2 takes place in the serene surroundings of the dining room which is quiet and sparse but beautifully furnished. Each dish is more amazing than the last in perfectly sized portion that each offer a sensory experience in their own right. The wine pairing is a must with rosè’s whites and reds carefully selected from small artisan producers from Spain Italy and France. Finally Chapter 3 regretfully concludes in the salon where by an open fire you enjoy some bespoke tea or coffee accompanied by a tantalising selection of baked delicacies in an intimate and peaceful surrounding. The staff are so helpful well informed and attentive. Any questions are answered and any required background information provided on the food and wine accompaniment. Afterwards we went for a short walk on the beautiful Castlemartyr Estate to reflect on what just happened. It was like being invited on a tour of a different world before finding yourself outside again bewildered at where the time had just gone! Terre will not have its one star for long it’s well on the way to its second and maybe third. Amazing!

We had an amazing night dining at Terre last week. The entire experience was wonderful. We were greeted by a warm and heartfelt welcome. All dishes were beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. I couldn't pic a favorite. The staff were warm and couldn't do enough for us. You could feel that everyone working at Terre really enjoyed their job and it was a brilliant atmosphere that carried through the night. I am absolutely thrilled about this new addition to the Cork food scene. We will be back soon and I cannot wait! And a shout out to Fergus who was absolutely amazing and went above and beyond looking after us. Wishing the entire team much success!