To those who claim that there is no fine dining outside the city's downtown core, I say, "You obviously haven't been to Terra - one of the Greater Toronto Area's most creative and elegant fine dining establishments."

From the small curving marble-topped bar, to the stained-glass windows and exposed ductwork, every part of this restaurant will catch your eye. The space is an eclectic mix of modern and traditional, artistic and functional, subdued and colourful.

There are tables for intimate parties of two and larger seating areas for celebrating in groups. All are dressed with impeccable crisp white linen, gleaming silverware and delicate crystal stemware. As well, Terra has three private dining rooms, the newest of which is fully outfitted for the most hi-tech of corporate meetings with projection screens and hi-speed internet hook-up.

Executive Chef Stephen Perrin and his partners, Richard Cwynar and Ian Chase took over Terra eight years ago with North °44's Mark McEwan. A few years later, McEwan relinquished his interest. Originally conceived as a more casual eatery by its previous owners, the Terra partners chose to turn it into a fine dining establishment with a much more upscale feel, like North °44. Today, Terra is turning out some of the finest food in all of Toronto, let alone Thornhill.

Stephen Perrin says, "We're about giving the customer an experience. From the moment you enter to the moment you leave, we want you to feel like you've had a very special meal in a very special restaurant." And that really is the key word - special. The eclectic international menu changes daily to allow Chef Perrin to construct a menu based on seasonality, freshness, availability, creativity, and above all quality. Only the best is acceptable - oysters are the finest Rodney's has to offer, salads are composed of only organic greens, soups are satisfying and pure, steaks are all USDA Prime, cut and aged on premises, fish and shellfish taste of the sea.

Once seated, you will be surprised and thrilled to receive a complimentary hors d'oeuvre to welcome you. You will also be treated to a delicious palate-cleansing sorbet between your first and second courses, and a sharp flavourful wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano and Armenian lavash bread after your entrée.

You won't be able to resist beginning your meal with the magnificent appetizer platter ($22.95 per person). While its components change daily, on any given evening you might find it consists of perfectly seared sea scallops and tiger shrimp, pepper-crusted Ahi tuna with a sweet potato galette on a fresh pineapple salsa, crispy quails drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar on a salad of baby spinach and finally, bright red vine-ripened organic Heirloom tomatoes and authentic buffalo mozzarella with niçoise olives and roasted garlic. This impressive sampler is served dramatically on a single long canoe-shaped platter.

One of Chef Perrin's true loves is preparing fish and shellfish. "We get a fantastic variety of fresh fish from around the world," says Stephen, "We prepare it relatively simply so that you really taste the distinct flavour and freshness of each different fish." One taste of the fantastic pan-roasted halibut ($38.95) caught off the coast of British Columbia, and you immediately understand this philosophy. The perfectly done fish is firm yet flaky and is sure to turn anyone into a fish lover. It is served on a bed of what Terra calls their "succotash", a melange of fresh peas, fava beans, peppers, corn and honey mushrooms, in a light broth of pan juices, mushroom stock, white wine and butter - delicious.

Dessert is a must when you dine here. All are made in-house by talented pastry chef, Renée Gaudet. Rather than struggling to choose just one dessert off the mouthwatering menu, why not have the mixed dessert platter ($11.95 per person)? Served on the same dramatic oblong platter as the appetizer sampler, your selection might include the decadent flourless warm chocolate torte, their famous crème brûlée garnished with an array of fresh berries and melon, and the rich yet somehow light pecan cheesecake on a fresh berry coulis - heaven. Or perhaps you would rather end your meal in a more traditional European fashion with a cheese course. Terra offers an ever-changing selection of premium domestic and imported cheeses that are sure to please every palate.

At Terra, the wine is just as important as the food. While Chef Perrin is in charge of the kitchen, it is the other two partners, Richard and Ian, who are the oenophiles. They have put together an international list that focuses primarily on Italy, France and California and Ontario, and secondarily on Australia and South Africa. They offer 500 different labels and keep an inventory of approximately 10,000 bottles in their two wine cellars. But don't be daunted by their extensive wine list. Michael De Tommaso, sommelier for the restaurant, is only too happy to help you pick out just the right wines to accompany your meal.

Not to be overlooked is the service, which at Terra is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Have a special request, dietary concern or possibly an allergy? Need a suggestion on what appetizer to order with a particular entrée? A good dessert wine to go with the famous crème brûlée? Just ask. It is evident that everyone is completely invested in making your dining experience a memorable one.

Terra is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week (with the exception of lunch Saturday), and offers a beautiful brunch (à la carte or buffet) on Sundays. Reservations are recommended. The restaurant is available for private or corporate functions of any kind, and the kitchen does full-service home catering and take-out. As well, they will be opening a wonderful patio area late this summer that is sure to be a huge success.

So treat yourself. The next time you are looking for creative and elegant fine dining, skip the hustle and bustle of downtown and make a reservation at Terra. You are guaranteed a truly special experience that you will not only remember, but also long to repeat.

Terra Restaurant
8199 Yonge Street
Thornhill, Ontario
Phone: 905.731.6161
Fax: 905.731.8509
www.TerraRestaurant.ca