Tourterelle
BLENDING CITY SAVVY WITH COUNTRY CHARM
WELL-SEASONED CHEF AND HOSTESS OPEN
TOURTERELLE (TURTLEDOVE) INN AND RESTAURANT
by Tina Barry
In the late nineties, a beautiful event planner from Brittany, France met a young, American chef from New York. Before long they were married and their union produced first a daughter and then a culinary revolution in Brooklyn, New York.
Locals flocked to Loulou, their first French bistro, as much for chef William “Bill” Snell’s lusty seafood-based cuisine as Christine Snell’s gracious charm. Before long, Loulou beget Cocotte, another French eatery that drew crowds. Other chefs followed, lining the streets near the Snells’ restaurants with all manner of eateries.
The couple has now turned their sights on a life-long dream: to own an inn and restaurant in Vermont. The Snells have purchased the well-regarded Roland’s Place in New Haven, Vermont, changing its name to Tourterelle (French for turtledove) to reflect its romantic theme as a serene inn and wedding venue. The Snells have launched their new venture and invite you to share with them.
“We fell in love with the historic building (from 1796), all the Victorian details, beautiful woodwork, and the views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain Valley are breathtaking!” says Christine.
The stately home, now painted white and freshened with colonial blue shutters, houses a refined, 80-seat restaurant decorated with period-appropriate antiques and a new fireplace, three guest rooms that invite long afternoon naps and a 35’ x 80’ wooden deck where many idyllic weddings have been held. Just 35 minutes south of Burlington and five miles from Middlebury, Tourterelle is the ideal spot for skiing, biking, swimming, and unparalleled antique shopping.
Visitors to Tourterelle can expect French comfort food of the highest caliber. Bill’s cooking has garnered raves from New York dining critics. David Kirby of the New York Times, called the Snells’ cafe, Cocotte, “My favorite restaurant on Fifth Avenue” (a stretch of Park Slope, Brooklyn, known for creative eateries), and referred to Bill’s fare as “warm, wonderful, and delicious.”
Bill, who before launching his eateries, served as executive chef at City Wine & Cigar Company and Tribeca Grill, both in New York City, is excited to meet local farmers and will source their provisions for his “country French with an American twist” menu. In the restaurant, as well as his off-premise catering service, Bill’s seasonal, market-driven cuisine will include dishes such as “Red Curry Coconut Bouillabaisse” (a favorite of his Brooklyn customers), “Local Vegetable Tartiflette with Vermont Double Cream Brie” (layers of potatoes, bacon and cheese), and classics like “Cassoulet” (meat and bean stew), and “Beuf Bourguignon with Steak Frites.”
“I am from Brittany,” says Christine, “home of original and traditional crepes, so we take pride in always offering crepes on our dinner and brunch menus.”
The Snells, who now have three children, are thrilled to start their new lives in a place they love. “Vermont has a magical effect on us,” Christine says. “We’re so excited to be here.” They’re sure visitors will feel the same about Tourterelle.
Tourterelle also offers on-site and off-site catering, read more here. And, if you're looking for that perfect Vermont wedding destination location, Tourterelle can accommodate a small intimate wedding, or an event for 200 people, read more here.
Tourterelle
3629 Ethan Allen Hw
New Haven, VT 05472
802-453-6309
e-mail: info@tourterellevt.com
www.Tourterellevt.com
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