After checking online for a nice place to eat and spend our 34th wedding anniversary on our weekend away in Paihia,Terra came out tops.
Located smack bang in the centre of the village Terra offers views to die for across the bay and most importantly an interesting menu.
Unfortunately when we booked we hadn’t considered asking for a balcony table and the balcony was full when we arrived and they popped us just inside the door and we were happy with that. The decor is modern with aqua tones that give feeling of being close to the water without being ‘kitschy’.
The menu appeared to be a bit cryptic in its simplicity.
Sorry about my shadow!
Corn, corn, corn?
A trio of snacks arrived and on description all was made clear. Strips of corn still attached to the cob had been grilled to represent a type of rib to be nibbled on after being rubbed through the tasty butter that had been smeared on the plate.
Tiny corn bun type fritters were stacked with a raw scallop and a smear of some sort of buttery mayo to hold the layers together. Served on a slice of wood (not to be eaten ) amongst scatter corn kernels.
And the last of the three corns was a chicken popcorn that was truly to die for. You know, one of those things that you think about well after the event and yearn for more.
The chicken had a tasty crispy coating and was served with a dollop of blue cheesy mayo, caviar and caramel popcorn.
Trevelly, plum and rice was so much more than that. The trevelly was fresh and raw with three slices layered between slices of plum with a berry jelly and a berry compote. The vanilla gelato sat on what appeared to be some sort of dried rice, however on further inspection, with my mouth, I found it to be crunchy and it popped like rice bubbles but with a nutty flavour. The flavours and textures complemented each other perfectly.
The pork, oh the pork! I think this was my favourite of the evening. The Pork belly in sweet chilli just melted in my mouth. It was served on a crispy tortilla, with finely sliced fennel bulb, rock melon, pomegranate, and goats cheese. Every mouthful was an explosion of flavours.
The palate cleanser!
Caipirinha is served with some gelato nestled on a bed of jellied muscovado sugar. It seemed innocent enough until we agreed to the option of a Brazilian liqueur Cachaca to be added. We toyed with comparisons for a while, grappas, or perhaps rocket fuel. It certainly provided a kick that cleansed our palates. When asked by the waiter how we liked it Lance replied, “I’m a bit scared that if I fart I will end up in New York”.
The great thing about a degustation menu is that the small potions allow you to partake in so many different dishes, but I have to admit that I was starting to feel a little full.
The two lamb cutlets arrived with a quinelle of puréed parsnip, a little crunchy something (by now I was well into the bottle of Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc so excuse my memory) and parmesan greens. The lamb was great, tender, and perfectly cooked.
And finally desert, well the first of the two deserts. Grilled pineapple, a black sesame wafer and I think the ice cream was black sesame as well and a little doughnutty ball. I thought the ball tasted a lot like galub jamun an Indian desert. It had the same density which was likely to be coconut. I loved it, but Lance was not that keen. The sesame wafer was really great and when I picked it up and it exploded down my front I made sure I picked up every crumb.
The last dish of the evening was a pear and white chocolate slice that resembled a blonde brownie. The pear jellies were light and almost fragrant in flavour and the addition of spindles fresh thyme provide a burst of contrast.
All in all a successful evening and a place to visit when in Paihia.
Food: 5
Comfort:5
Service:5
Price:3 (this included a bottle of wine, some beers a two desert wines.
Grading
Food
1 - 2 Won’t be back
3 - 4 Might be back
5 Can’t wait to get back
Comfort
1 - 2 Just stay for a quick bite
3 - 4 Okay for a medium price
5 Could stay longer
Service
1 - 2 Lucky I don’t complain
3 - 4 Ho hum
5 Expect a great tip
Price
1 change from $100 for two people
2 $100 - $200 for two people
3 $200 - $300 for two people
4 $300 - $400 for two people
5 $$$ dust off the visa you’re going to need it.
