Imagine dining in a farmhouse in Tuscany with a few of your very special pals, bottles of wine left open to “breathe” and cold antipasti set out on a wood cutting board to welcome the guests. That’s what we felt like when we dined at the private chefs table at Terre a Terre.
Thanks to the hospitality of Chef Todd Villani and his sister/manager Lisa Meyer, we enjoyed a rustic and warm holiday dinner while we dined privately at Terre a Terre. After checking on any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to our seating, the Chef (formally of Aquavit in Manhattan), designed a menu comprised of local seasonal ingredients which were carefully articulated into a 5 course dinner for our table of six. Here’s the run down:
The Space: A house set on a busy Carlstadt Street- cozy and inviting with wood-planked floors and a candlelit front room for private dining. The room has got a casual Tuscan farmhouse vibe.
Cocktail Hour: We were greeted by the Chef’s sister Lisa Meyer who helped keep the pace of the evening and made sure we had time to mingle and sip on house prepared pomegranate elixirs made with GUS brand soda (or our own bottles of wine) prior to our seating. Cold antipasti of local cheeses and meats was also offered.
The Main Event: Our table was set for 6 people (although we turned out to be only 5) and Chef Villani came out to greet us and again check on any dietary concerns before preparing a meal which included: Wild mushroom soup featuring exotic mushrooms from Shibumi Farms in Princeton, Roasted and raw heirloom beet salad with peppercorn fromage blanc, mixed farm lettuce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika almond, Pan roasted Corvina with rainbow baby carrots, quinoa, and topped with a mussel Soubise sauce, and finished off with a Flourless Chocolate Cake which we devoured over conversation that held us there later than expected.
Tip: Parking in Carlstadt can be dicey, look out for the designated lot behind the restaurant.
Details: The Chef’s Table is available Wednesdays and Thursdays and seats between 6 and 8 diners. Cost varies, but prices range from $50pp for 5 courses to $95 for 9 courses.
Terre a Terre
312 Hackensack St., Carlstadt
201-507-0500
Open for dinner Wednesday – Saturday from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Brunch is served on Sunday from 11:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Reservations Recommended, BYOB
