Humble Beginnings

---

Pinewood Springs was originally known as Little Elk Park. It was renamed around 1960. La Chaumière was built in 1961, and was then known as The Stage Coach Inn. Then, however, it was far from the culinary experience it is today. La Chaumière began as a small diner. In 1970 a French chef named Jean Pierre Turnier opened La Chaumière (which means "hospitable home").

He operated from 1970 to 1975, when Heinz Fricker bought the restaurant in 1975, and owned it for 25 years. We first met Heinz in 1979, when Vince came to interview for the position of Sous Chef. He not only became a long-time friend and colleague, but also a father figure for Vince. We fell in love with La Chaumière, as well as the view and the way we operated. It was very much like a family here. We knew we would return, one day. Vince worked for Heinz from 1979 until 1984. Many great chef's came and trained under Heinz. He was not only an employer, but a teacher and mentor. So, when he called from London and asked if we would like to buy La Chaumière, we gave up our lives in Maryland and never looked back. So sit back and enjoy the view. You'll be delighted with our culinary creations. We stay true to our roots at La Chaumière, and we are looking forward to moving La Chaumière into the future. Won't you come along?

Vince & Edie Williams