ST. JOHN’S, Nfld. — Terre Restaurant & Café opened its doors in the heart of St. John’s, Nfld., adjacent to the Alt Hotel.
The concept is helmed by chef Matthew Swift, whose dishes are inspired daily by ingredients that can be found locally — highlighting the best local producers, farmers and small brands have to offer. The general manager is Stelios Doussis, formerly of St. John’s Merchant Tavern and Fogo Island Inn.
“St. John’s is a small city with seriously good restaurants and people support that dining scene,” says Swift. “I’m thrilled to be part of it and to work with the best that Newfoundland has to offer.”
Terre Restaurant also features the Terre Café for customers wanting a quick bite or coffee to-go. Terre Café is open for breakfast and until mid-afternoon, serving freshly baked pastries and breads, as well as made-to-order sandwiches and soup.
Terre Restaurant & Café seats 90 people and can privatize the space. Guests of the Alt Hotel St. John’s can also enjoy Terre Restaurant & Café’s cuisine, as the restaurant is the hotel’s caterer for meetings, wedding receptions and special anniversaries.
Local design firm Carvel and Helm created the casual, chic and comfortable space. The interior palette of Terre Restaurant & Café brings the outside in through the use of materials and texture. Carvel & Helm were inspired by the spectacular sunsets in the area and their connection to the harsh landscape. The colour palette mixes rose-gold pinks with contrasting earthy tones — much like the various textures that can be found in the surrounding woods and barren landscapes. Two paintings by local artist Michael Connelly complete this concept.
“We were thrilled to collaborate with Michael Connelly on the large-format landscape paintings, both installed in a recessed niche sitting area,” says Sarah Parker Charles, partner and interior designer at Carvel & Helm. “The colour and texture were the perfect complement to the clean modern interior.”
