Chalet Suzanne

By Lisa Codianne Fowler
Published: November 18, 2007
Last Updated On: April 20, 2011

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Country elegance, romance and seclusion at Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales.

The drive to central Florida was relaxing, past cattle and horses, acres of farmland and fragrant orange groves. Once in Lake Wales - and what feels like the middle of nowhere - we followed the pink signs to Chalet Suzanne Country Inn & Restaurant.

A winding country road led us to the Main House, a dusty rose chalet-styled building accented by cascades of blooming bougainvillea. To the right was a swimming pool overlooking a peaceful lake; to the left, a grassy airstrip where a two-seater airplane had just touched down.

We stepped into the reception area and back in time to a gloriously romantic era. Flowers, teapots, colorful ceramics and porcelain figures rested on antique tables draped with lace, and the walls displayed a collection of old tapestries and paintings.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Chalet has been welcoming guests since 1931. It was then that Bertha Hinshaw's husband died, leaving her little more than their home and two young children. An excellent cook and host, this gutsy lady survived by doing what she knew best, making people feel at home. She named the Chalet after her only daughter and opened her doors to the public.

A fortunate visit soon after by Duncan Hines landed the Chalet a write-up in his book, Adventures in Good Eating. The inn soon became a favorite haunt of celebrities and royalty. And for three generations since, the family-run Chalet Suzanne has maintained its reputation for exceptional hospitality and four-star cuisine.

Hinshaw's great-grandson Marcus took us to the suite appropriately called The Balcony. If Heaven has rooms, they look like this one. The lace-canopied round bed was covered in a floral spread, backed by windows adorned with ruffles and a silk rose garland. The Art Deco bathroom had original black and pink tiled floors and a tiny shower stall, a challenge for Patrick, my 6'1" husband, but charmingly authentic. A vase of fresh flowers sat on a hand-painted dresser and antique furniture graced every corner. From mirrors to candelabras, the setting was full of mood-creating detail.

The inn soon became a favorite haunt of celebrities and royalty. And for three generations since, the family-run Chalet Suzanne has maintained its reputation for exceptional hospitality and four-star cuisine.

We planned to tour the grounds that afternoon but a cold front moved in, prompting us to simply luxuriate in our surroundings. We called for a bottle of Merlot and some Brie. "It will arrive on the dumbwaiter on the balcony," I was told, so I ventured out the back door to the rooftop.

The wind whipped off of the lake, I was shivering, and I couldn't find it. I called again. "No, go through your French doors to the balcony."

We did, and were pleasantly surprised. Before us was a romantic table for two on a balcony, high above the dimly lit restaurant. Picture windows accented with stained glass presented the lake, and classical music serenaded the diners and us. And, we had our own tiny elevator just for food.

The magic continued as we slipped into our evening finery and headed for a rather pricey but magnificent dinner. Our first candlelit course was broiled grapefruit topped with chicken liver, a favorite here for nearly 70 years. It was served on replicas of Portuguese petal bowls handmade by Yugoslavian-born Boz Birvis, a talented ceramist working on-site for 22 years.

Romaine or "Moon Soup" was next, the signature soup that astronauts enjoyed en route to the moon. This smooth blend of spinach, mushrooms and spices was presented on replicas of Norwegian ashtrays. Salad, sorbet, crab, lobster - the imaginative presentation of culinary delights continued, right down to the decadent desserts. Our waitress, Debbie, has worked at the Chalet for 14 years.

Morning found us in Chalet Suzanne Kimono-styled robes, dining on eggs Benedict on our balcony. Refreshed, we strolled the Alpine-like village and peeked in some courtyard suites; each unique, but none as romantic as our mid-priced balcony room.

We visited the gift shop and Ceramics Salon, where guests design and sign tiles for the whimsical "autograph garden," and took a guided tour of the soup cannery, where we purchased a taste of the inn to savor at home along with our memories. We'll return soon. This award-winning restaurant and country inn captured our vote and our hearts.