Inn at Fortune Bridge
Fall Asleep in PEI and Wake up in Paris
Fall asleep in Prince Edward Island and wake up in Paris at Chef Michael & Chastity Smith’s newest boutique hotel. The Inn at Fortune Bridge is like a step back in time to 1910 in Paris. Be swept up in this luxurious setting with all the modern comforts while surrounded by 19th Century French antiques. Then be swept away to Chef Michael’s Famous Fireworks Feast at The Inn at Bay Fortune in a chauffeured vintage Bentley to arrive in style.
A Moment of Inspiration
Designing the interior for their first property - the Inn at Bay Fortune was focused on complementing the natural seaside setting of Prince Edward Island. However; this time around, Chazz was determined to take the Inn at Fortune Bridge in a different direction. “When the opportunity came up, I had no clue what I was going to do, and then I just had a moment of inspiration. It was a home before, so I just felt it needed a different treatment. It was not just a summer home, it was somebody’s house, and it was once a general store.
A Novel, Set in Paris, in1910
“The family that lived here for many years were involved many different industries: foxing, dairy cattle, shipbuilding, and running a general store. So I just thought - with all the people that would come & go from here during the turn of the century… including actors & actresses from the silent movie silver screen days, it dawned on me - I want to do something theatrical. I want it to feel like you have entered a novel, set in Paris, in about 1910.”
Tole Treasures & Antiques
Chazz found some of the Inn’s fine furnishings while attending a few specialized French antiques auctions in Montreal. A nearby island shop Tole Treasures & Antiques, was the source for many of the other treasures she discovered. Chazz has always been drawn to antiques even as a much younger woman, when she dreamed about owning armoires like the very ones that she has now hand-picked that furnish the Inn of Fortune Bridge. “I would go in there with not two nickels to rub together, and I said “One day I am going to own these!” and then… I go there, 15 to 20 years later… and they are still there, and I say “I am taking them!” So, I bought three of them (armoires), plus a really old 17th Century pine cupboard, as well as some of the beds.”
My friend Tabi and I stopped by Tole Treasures & Antiques on our way back home, after our stay at the Inn at Fortune Bridge, and we met the owners Monica Gillis and Robert Budd. I must say, I now have a few dreams of my own, about one day coming in, and purchasing a few of these antique treasures for myself. There is something for everyone here, so do stop in. Monica just happens to also be a very talented tole painter, hence the name Tole Treasures & Antiques, and she expertly adorns many fine antiques with tole painting styles emulating 17th century artist’s techniques.
The Past Comes Alive
Some of the artifacts discovered in the attic and uncovered between the walls during renovations have been lovingly preserved and are showcased in the hotel lobby. Ladies’ stockings, men’s starched collars, a fountain pen, a hand-written letter, a black & white photograph of a small girl, and another of what just might be a film star - perhaps her calling card left when visiting the general store, Chazz mused. All of this memorabilia, and the period music that is softly playing in the background, brings the past alive at the Inn at Fortune Bridge.
Never Want to Leave
The French antiques, gorgeous fabrics, luxurious bathrooms, and thoughtful touches - like a turn down service, have you never wanting to leave. The attention to detail that Chazz has executed in her design, alongside of these carefully curated beautiful furnishings, has you daydreaming - drifting back in time… just like she planned.
Serendipity
I wondered if there were any original plans for expanding the Inn at Bay Fortune versus opening a second inn, and Chazz assured me, that’s exactly what they thought originally thought. “We have architectural drawings for a modern farmhouse up on the farm itself. That was our full intention, but then this house came on the market. It took us a couple of months to sit with the notion. It had such a historical significance, and we did not want to see it lost. So, we bought it, and then of course then we were thinking, “Okay, now how do we connect the two properties? How do we make it so that people would actually want to stay there?” and that is when the whole classic car came into play and then… the Bentley showed up.” Sounds like serendipity to me!
From Farm to Fire to Feast
I experienced the FireWorks Feast at the Inn at Bay Fortune, for the first time in 2018, and wrote about it on my blog in From Farm-to-Fire-to-Feast (see link at the end of this article). Check it out to see how different each experience at the FireWorks Feast can be. It changes daily according to what is plentiful at the farm & nearby fishing wharf. Staying overnight at the Inn at Fortune Bridge has quite an added bonus, too. At a prearranged time, a chauffeur picks you up, and delivers you in style to the Inn at Bay Fortune for your extraordinary dining experience. You are also chauffeured back after the the event culminates. You do not miss a thing, in fact, you feel a little extra special with all the attention and TLC you receive. My friend Tabi is pictured below just before Chauffeur Mark drove us over to the FireWorks Feast, just a few minutes up the road at the Inn at Bay Fortune.
Welcome to the Feast
The Feast begins when the Farm Bar opens for business on the Inn at Bay Fortune’s front lawn for FireWorks guests to enjoy something to sip, while you mingle, and wander the grounds.
The Farm Tour
A guided tour is offered a half hour later with a walk-through explanation of the workings of the Inn at Bay Fortune’s organic farm, greenhouses, and gardens.
Oyster Hour
A social cocktail hour continues with an added ‘journey of edible discovery’ through ‘an outdoor array of fire-fuelled flavours and unlimited oysters’ right in the heart of the farm gardens. I have several videos of this on my Maritimes Maven Instagram account. When in-town, Chef Michael & Chazz join the festivities.
A Toast - Champagne is opened with a ritualistic sabre, and a toast with thanks are given prior to the communal long table feast gathering inside the Inn.
FireWorks Feast
The FireWorks Feast is a feast for the senses. I was discussing the experience with one of the Fire Brigade (the chefs and cooks that make this possible with Chef Michael’s tutelage), and he was trying to put his finger on what it is exactly. “You know, I think… it’s the Four F’s: Farm, Fires, Feast … & Feel!” I nodded, but added “I think you need to add one more - Family.” “That’s it!” he grinned “You nailed it!’
Flavourful Food Harvest
Chef Michael has created a masterful farm-to-fire-to-fork experience like no other. This shared communal experience of coming together at long tables around a flavourful food harvest from the farm is special. Course after course arrives before you, wine pairings are offered for those that so chose, and merriment is plentiful. It is everything you expect, and so much more.
Bread Tree - PEI milled grains from the last century create flavourful textured flours that, in turn, are baked into this unique bread which is enjoyed with maple brown butter, farm fresh cheese & a smokehouse pate.
Chowder on a Beach - PEI shellfish: oysters, bar clams, lobster, mussels, scallops and crab are simmered in a halibut broth with cream, potatoes and sea vegetables. The base is decorated giving homage to the beloved local PEI beaches.
Those with a shellfish allergy, or sensitivity ,are treated to a delicious alternative. Tabi shared it was the best she has ever tasted.
Today’s Catch - A new fish dish is created daily. Seafood is fresh and plentiful on Prince Edward Island and whether it is handpicked lobster from the wharf or a tasty seasonal fish, you are sure to enjoy this fresh sea-spired dish.
Earth Plate - Tangy root vegetable purees, crunchy seedy soil and living sprouts from above and below the soil deepens the enjoyment and experience of the salad course.
Harvest Bowl - Shoots, stems, stalks, leaves, herbs, buds, flowers and fruits of the farm fill a beautiful wooden bowl and is enjoyed with the earth plate bounty. Can we talk about how pretty it is?! Did you notice the popcorn and edible flowers? So fun!
Meat and Potatoes and Vegetables - Old-fashioned farmhouse cooking inspired by ingredients grown, foraged and found farming on Prince Edward Island.
Sweets and Treats - Desserts are inspired by the farm with the garden harvest baked right in while also celebrating PEI tree fruits and berries. Strawberry shortcake was on the menu tonight.
Marshmallows Roasted on an Open-Fire - Oh those flavourful homemade marshmallows - this year lemon-flavoured (last year cinnamon) - they sure are tasty! Guests personally get their own humongous mallow on a long skewer to roast over an open fire for a fabulous finishing treat.
The Inn at Bay Fortune
I had the opportunity to tour a few different rooms at the Inn at Bay Fortune, and I found an oasis of calm. Beach-inspired by nature, this hotel brings the outside beauty in while celebrating the colours of the earth & sea around PEI, and the beauty of farming for a living. It is quiet, simple sophistication. “I like to go beyond just design for function,” Chazz shared, “to go on to design for fantasy. I am so intrigued by creating a mood… so that is why the Inn at Bay Fortune is reflective of what surrounds it - nature & trees. We have a lot of repurposed items in the rooms while not sacrificing luxury either in the sense that the services, the bedding, everything is there, and very prestigious in that regard - the turn down service, all the things you would see in a high-end hotel but just in a more casual setting.”
When I turned our discussion to their newest boutique inn, Chef Michael was quick to give Chazz all the credit for the design style at the Inn at Fortune Bridge. “It’s all Chazz!” he smiled proudly,“It is all her.” His admiration is obvious and Chazz was equally as glowing about Michael’s accomplishments with his FireWorks Feast and both inns and their dedicated staff. One thing is for certain, this dynamic duo has lead it all with their hearts and created something unique & special for their guests.
Good Morning and Final Farewells
The morning after the Feast, a continental brekkie can be enjoyed at the Inn at Fortune Bridge or you can do what Tabi and did and enjoy a full brunch at the Inn at Fortune Bay. It is your choice and I recommend taking the time to brunch. It filled us with a lasting taste of beautiful flavours of the island, filling us with goodness before we began our trip back home. We enjoyed the opportunity to sit at the long tables with guests again, and also talk with the friendly staff.
Inspired Staff
I ran into Laura, a Fire Brigade face I recognized from my visit the year before, and she shared her new role this year, and how happy she was to return to the Inn to work for Michael & Chazz. In fact, that was the sentiment with every employee I spoke to. The bar is set high in expectations for quality & service but these two have a happy staff that are inspired daily to reach new heights. Later, after breakfast, I met dear Kaylee who was just finishing up one of the rooms I was heading to photograph. I was taken with the depth of pride she displayed. She shared how much she loves her job, and how much Michael & Chazz care about the guest experience, and about their employees. Kaylee, retouched things to ensure everything looked just so. Then she gave the room a once over, and yet again to carefully meet the specifications outlined by Chazz during training. “I just love her vision,” she shared as she smoothed out the bed linens.“ Me too, Kaylee, me too!
Book your stay at the Inn at Fortune Bridge or the Inn at Bay Fortune, and be sure to take in the FireWorks Feast. Tell Chef Michael & Chazz, the Maritimes Maven sent you.
This post was sponsored by The Inn at Fortune Bridge & The Inn at Bay Fortune; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!