Tourterelle Restaurant & Inn — Restaurant in New Haven

Restaurant Review: Tourterelle Restaurant and Inn - New Haven VT

With a wealth of dining experiences spanning prestigious restaurants across France and private dinners hosted by Michelin-starred French-trained chefs, my interest was piqued by a quaint establishment nestled in New Haven, Vermont. Helmed by Chef Bill Snell, whose culinary background differs from the conventional extensive training, the restaurant offers French country cuisine. I'm pleased to share that my visit left me thoroughly impressed.

As a seasoned traveler having explored 68 countries and 36 states, I approach restaurant reviews with a clear criterion: Taste, Presentation, and Service. My goal is to provide an impartial perspective, highlighting both the commendable and deficient aspects of dining establishments.

Upon approaching the restaurant, the ambiance evokes the warmth of dining in a friend's home. The decor strikes a balance between classic and contemporary elements, reminiscent of a country farmhouse. The well-spaced seating arrangement caters to intimate dinners or group gatherings. Additionally, the establishment boasts a charming event space at the rear, seamlessly accommodating occasions such as weddings without intruding on the dining experience.

Turning to the menu, while I found it enticing overall, there were notable shortcomings. A broader selection of meat options, such as chicken and pork, would have enhanced its appeal. Classic French dishes like Cassoulet or Chicken Fricassee could have lent a fitting touch to the countryside setting. Furthermore, the appetizer choices were somewhat limited, warranting expansion.

The initial offering of bread fell short of expectations, exhibiting a burnt exterior and lacking flavor. However, my focus remained on the main offerings rather than the bread service.

The Oysters, presented in a classic manner, impressed with their freshness and flavor. The champagne mignonette provided a unique twist, although I found it slightly divergent from the traditional French preparation. A garnish akin to that depicted on the restaurant's website would have further elevated the presentation.

The House Salad was a highlight, skillfully blending chevre, plums, and pecans to create a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

While the Tagliatelle showcased exceptional homemade pasta, the accompanying Ragu failed to deliver the expected richness and depth characteristic of traditional French cuisine. The sauce lacked complexity, predominantly showcasing the flavor of beef without achieving the desired wow factor.

In contrast, the Bouillabaisse exceeded expectations. From its impeccable presentation to the harmonious blend of seafood, each element contributed to a sensory delight. The inclusion of a Spicy Red Curry stew added a captivating twist, enhancing the dish with its robust flavors and subtle kick. The Saffron Aioli, served alongside crostini, provided a creamy and velvety complement, accentuating the dish's overall appeal.

In summary, while Chef Snell may not rival Michelin-starred counterparts, his technical prowess shines through in the meticulous presentation, bold flavors, and intricate dishes offered at the restaurant. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment for a memorable...

We couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect wedding venue partner than Christine and the Tourterelle team. From the very beginning, Christine was helpful, accommodating, and enthusiastic - determined to help us plan the wedding of our dreams. She took the time to meet with us multiple times throughout the process, thoughtfully talking through how to bring our vision to life.

One of the things we appreciated most was her flexibility and creativity. Christine worked with us to design a menu that went beyond the traditional offerings, and even went above and beyond to craft our signature cocktails, including one that required an ambitious amount of carrot juice and crystallized oranges! Her commitment to making every detail feel personal and special truly meant the world to us.

Christine worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to our wedding to make sure everything was perfect. And when the big weekend arrived, she and her team were absolutely amazing. The food was delicious, the service was outstanding, and the entire staff was warm, attentive, and professional. Every element—from how beautiful everything looked to how seamlessly it all ran—was a reflection of the care she poured into the experience.

Beyond her expertise, Christine is simply one of the kindest, warmest people we’ve ever met. She made us and our families feel so supported throughout the process, and we honestly can’t imagine having done it without her. Tourterelle is a special place, and Christine is the heart of it. We will be...

Christine knows how to plan and execute a wedding with style, grace and ease. She is confident, which puts one at ease and very easy to communicate with. We planned our daughter's wedding from afar, and it came together perfectly. The venue itself is idyllic: the grounds beautiful, the barn romantic and charming, and the inn gorgeous. Much of the planning you think you need to do, is already in place at Tourterelle, under Christine's and her team's management. So the little things such as tables, chairs, barrels, linens, place settings, vases, lighting, etc., are already accounted for in the plan. So nice! We loved the signature cocktail, the hors d'oeuvres passed on lovely trays, the food, the coffee service, and the bar choices and service! The staff really makes it easy to enjoy the evening. ||We stayed on site, which made it easy to get ready, and got to know Truffle the dog. We even came back the following day for a delicious Sunday BBQ - which was in the freshly redecorated barn. ||**despite a horrible and sudden forecast change to rain and hail, the weather was fine and everything worked out beautifully - an 11 on a scale of 10. We even got a rainbow!||Christine said the day would be beautiful, despite the weather, and she was soooo right. ||Merci to the whole team at Tourterelle! We will be back to visit!||Bob, Dawn & Chelsea Hummer and the bride Holly...