Person to Person: Cork-based couple set up wild fermentation company

About Ivo:

Ivo Duarte is a chef who has worked in restaurants in Lisbon and New York before settling in Cork.

Having spent time working on organic and biodynamic farms, he has respect for ingredients that extend beyond the table.

Together with his partner, Ivo founded Terra Ignis, a wild fermentation company that aims to reignite traditional fermentation methods with a modern edge. Their goal is to develop a truly Irish fermentation culture that can stand alongside our dynamic food and drinks offering.

Terra Ignis will showcase at both weekends of the upcoming Ballymaloe Craft Fair in East Cork, which runs from November 17 to 19 and from November 24 to 26 on the grounds of Ballymaloe. More details can be found at www.ballymaloegrainstore.com

Where were you born?

Lisbon, Portugal.

Where do you live?

We live in North Cork. 

The countryside is on our doorstep, which makes foraging and growing such a pleasure.

Family?

Myself, my partner Linda and baby Daisy, who is almost two.

Best friend?

Linda. She is the kindest, most patient partner and mother I could have ever asked for.

Earliest childhood memory?

Rolling down our family car window and giving a thumbs up to some man hitchhiking.

Person you most admire?

Anthony Bourdain. I’ve always respected his candour and passion for an industry that is seldom so honestly celebrated.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

In Madeira, Portugal. I travelled with my parents and two other couples (with no kids) in their 40s, in 2001. The landscape stopped being boring when I started taking pictures with my father’s Nikon F50. My love for photography has only grown since then.

Favourite TV programme?

Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Favourite radio show?

Marty in the Morning - RTÉ Lyric FM. We love listening to his show on our morning drive. 

Especially appreciate his music choices and really bad ‘Dad’ jokes that I’m dying to tell Daisy.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Cod cheek rice stew with fermented kale.

Favourite restaurant?

Típico do Mezio - north of Portugal. They have one star dish with rice, beans, and slices of cured sausage. It is simplicity done so well that it is enough to pack the restaurant every day.

Last book you read?

Love Is A Dog From Hell, by Charles Bukowski.

Best book you read?

The Sailorman. A static drama from Fernando Pessoa.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Methodrone from The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

Favourite song?

Rumble - Link Wray.

One person you would like to see in concert?

An intimate (acoustic) concert with Nick Drake.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person. I prefer to wake up than to fall asleep. I’m always ready to start the day and hate to end it!

Your proudest moment?

Becoming a father. 

Maybe happiness is crying because you’re so filled with love.

Spendthrift or saver?

Somewhere in between.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Maybe the local pub could serve Beamish!

What makes you happy?

Dancing with my daughter and Linda.

How would you like to be remembered?

I’d like to be remembered as a good father, partner and crafter.

What else are you up to at the moment?

We’ve got a lot of things in the works at Terra Ignis and are looking forward to a fruitful 2024.