We went in September at the full moon for a super tide and it was amazing! Reply, I don’t know the specific name for that pan, or where it’s from (I’m sure a shop in Villedieu-les-poêles has one since there are many copper shops there, if you want to do some searching) – You can also check my post, How to Find Items Mentioned on the Site. Although Madame Poulard apparently served the omelets at all hours, in France, an omelet isn’t something normally eaten at breakfast, but is a complete lunch or dinner you can make with ingredients you already have on hand, without a lot of fuss. So now I know where we’ll be eating one of our meals! Also, good restaurants, etc. Left the normal stuff absolutely standing (and I like that well enough!). Is that a French thing? I think the low light enhanced the omelet shots, Hi David, Reply, David, What is the little cork gizmo the bowl is resting in? Quite an admission for a Francophile like Julia! Also, tried to get reservations at Le Cinq and L’Ambroserie but their websites don’t take single diners. Reply, What do you call the ring in which the round copper bowl sits? Our stay in Saint Jean le Thomas, however, did not include a visit to Le Mont. I thought the same about the hygiene issue. Would love to have the name of the B&B you so enjoyed. Reply, Your view of the Mont is one I haven’t seen before. Nous avons transmis votre message à nos équipes qui seront ravis de lire vos nombreux compliments. Although I was considering calling this post: Copper Bowl Porn, I knew that search engines would filter that out because of the third word, and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on some copper bowl action. The choir were trencher-people, as my credit card bill showed once after an apres-service meal (well lubricated) in Ely, UK. I also worry about taking the train from Paris to Renne and then the bus to Mt. Reply, There was a poster of Mont St-Michel on the wall of the classroom in which I started learning French, and it’s been on my list ever since. It was a bucket list visit for me, and we had the good fortune of staying in a lovely B&B close enough by that we visited the Mont in the evening, when it was quiet and mysterious and again the next morning, when it was shrouded in early morning fog. Reply, We once stayed overnight at La Mère Poulard just so we could have the omelette for breakfast—and didn’t they have a fire in the kitchen and close it, before ee eere even up. When you’re staring at words all day, it’s nice to take a break, which I did when I made plans to go to Normandy for a quick visit. Reply, The town where the copper is made is lovely, and the factory was amazing. Will never forget the magic of that place. I am happy, monsieur, if this recipe pleases you.” I did like the omelet and it was certainly an experience to eat at the restaurant (I think they take reservations online, and they have other places and cafés on the island) but especially during the summer, there will be a lot more people on the island than when I went, in March. Normandy is close to Paris, just a little over an hour by train, and there are a lot of reasons to visit; the sea, the spectacular aged cheeses (which are anything but ‘grim’), and the copper cookware. Karen, you’ve beat me to it. The hallmark of a proper French omelette is to be “baveuse” (slobbery, i.e. Reply, Maybe it’s the lighting but those omelettes look more like folded pancakes to me. Reply, Ah, Fred Bridge! Still recall the sounds, the smell of the fire and the warm ambience. Once in the dining room you still hear the sound of the whisks hitting the bottom of the copper bowls. I know copper is better for beating egg whites which is believed to be due to a reaction with the copper and the whites, but I’ve never whipped whole eggs in them. In a tiny grocery store next t door, we found Normandy Cidre. I don’t think this can be right. I was allowed in the kitchen and watched several women beating away. Reply, Ahhh, the Normands and their omelets natures. It’s very cool on the coast so pack layers, and the weather can be quick to change so be prepared. Avant publication, chaque avis passe par notre système de suivi automatisé afin de contrôler s’il correspond à nos critères de publication. La Mère Poulard continue de transmettre son savoir-faire dans l’auberge historique du Mont-Saint-Michel. I have some of the same pictures and as a cook enjoy the memories. The brand also offers a range of quality and tasty food products, made in France and sold in the whole French mass-market retailing. Thank you in advance. It’s a lovely property, with views of Mont St. Michel and it’s a quick drive to the shuttle parking lots. Reply, I ate there ~1991 in peak season. Do you have a favourite restaurant near Mt. Bonjour Jeanne1966,Nous sommes navrés de lire que nos plats n'aient pas pu répondre à vos attentes. Those copper bowls have me salivating. Reply, Thanks for the tip on cidre. Reply, We’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Mont Saint-Michel twice and we’re planning our next trip for this coming June. Lamb superb, omelette great. Do not have a copper bowl, but will try to beat the eggs for five minutes. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. 3.3 out of 5 stars 4. Was just about to quote La Mere’s recipe (such as it was) as referenced by Elizabeth David– it makes mockery of the mystique surrounding those omelettes, and rightly so. Vous possédez ou gérez cet établissement ? Best cidre I’ve ever tasted and we have good cidre here in British Columbia. The stamina of the beaters was amazing. But they had what looked to be about twenty-five of them lined up on a shelf, with only three in action at the time, because it was low-season.*. Wonderful thank you David for the reminder of great memories. It is hard to believe a tide can move that fast. Also, pack a light bag to take, I don’t recommend bringing a suitcase even if it’s on wheels. Le Mont-Saint-Michel abrite cette auberge du XIXe où, pendant plus de 70 ans, Annette Poulard rendit hommage à la Normandie et à la Bretagne à travers ses recettes devenues mythiques. Reply, Sorry about the errant “n.” There were a lot of photos to edit for this post, which took a while to put together with the text. Reply. Arrives before Valentine's Day Only 9 left in stock - order soon. Planning to vist next year. Ce savoir-faire se décline dans une franchise de restauration afin de promouvoir la cuisine française à l’étranger. What a treasure your copper bowl is.Thank you. I know because I wouldn’t want to be left out of it, either. We spent the night in the connecting hotel Reply, Wow! Tags: butter copper bowl eggs France La Mere Poulard Mont Saint Michel Normandy omelet omelette souffle speechless, Hi David Ps. It’s not an inexpensive omelet for sure, but this is a world-renowned restaurant and experience and I felt it worth sharing with readers. The Mont is a magical place. Nous sommes ravis de lire que vous avez passé un agréable moment parmi nous et que vous ayez appréciez votre moment passé à l'Auberge, ainsi que celui passé au restaurant. Reply, Google translate gave this translation…. What I remember most about the two omelettes I ate was that they had the hint of smoke from the wood burning fire. The Omelet and the salty lamb were delicious. But it was August, the traffic to MSM terrible, by the time the coach got there, there was just time enough to march up to the abbey to be ready to sing. P.S. One of the best thing about driving there (which we did) is seeing this fairy tale sight emerge out of a very flat plain. (Many more such stories are available). Also known for their world famous cookies, this restaurant has been visited by thousands if not millions of people from across the world including celebrities, presidents and kings. Both times we stayed at Le Chateau des Hautes, and as the name says it, it lies high on a hill, overlooking the village, the sea and…. La Mère PoulardGrand Rue There were lots of eggs piled in a basket, a big basket of beurre de baratte, a roaring fire, and a cook with a job to do. I have eaten at La Mere Poulard twice (both times in September, the off season, when the sea is still warm enough to swim in and the island is magic without the hordes, especially at night after the daytrippers have left – it is well worth the effort to stay on the island itself). Reply, David, that was a beautifully explained moment. Too moosey — if I want souffle I’ll make souffle. I have resisted a number of copper bowls at various brocantes because our stove is induction, but hey, BOWLS, they don’t need to go on the stove. Nous avons fait un détour par le mont saint Michel pour y déguster la fameuse omelette soufflée de la mère poulard et même si le spectacle pour les touristes est bien présent , l'omelette elle est vraiment délicieuse heureusement à 38 euros , quand même !!! I can’t imagine a more worthy giftee, your good karma decided to embrace you in a most special way. 97 ($12.97/Count) Get it as soon as Thu, Feb 4. still liquid inside), and the Poulard ones look more like a soufflé than an omelette. The sound of lapping water that we could not see; the sea of crosses stretching so far and into the dim fog…I have never forgotten it. It’s a majestic, spectacular sight when you’re walking down the path toward the island (cars aren’t allowed past a certain point), and you look up and see the island with the church crowning the top, rising above you, framed by the steel-blue sky of Normandy. Twice now we’ve visited this little town between Christmas and New Year, and walking on the beaches is just magical. The omelets aren’t stuffed with “filling” (a word I’m not going to use, which’ll please the pedants – and copy editors), but for lack of a better word, we’ll go with accompagnements, or garnitures, which sound better in French, too. Vidéos à découvrir. Thanks Ellen Reply. It’s no accident La Mère Poulard biscuits have been loved by the French since 1888! So it was nice to finally sit down after having woken up at 5am to make the 7:30am train, and have a fluffy omelet – and a much-needed glass of white wine – for dinner. What a great experience. Thank you again for a great article. The omelets are garnis rather than farcis (stuffed), to preserve the integrity of the puffy souffléd omelet, and the ingredients don’t get lost in the eggy batter. Reply, I am so glad they gave you a bowl, you deserve it! P.S. I truly don’t want any more things. At least one of the owners speaks English very well, so if you are interested in making a reservation (probably recommended in the busy season), you can feel comfortable about calling or emailing. Reply, Even after all those years of self-abuse, five minutes of beating would be tough. Guarding the secret carefully, like the Malakoffs of Switzerland, when pressed for answers about what’s in them, you’ll only get a Jaconde-like (Mona Lisa-like) smile from the cooks or chef. Oddly enough, I was qualified to drive the coach, but only if empty! Our hotel put us up at one of the old fishermen’s cottages (in your photo of the island, bottom right, it was right behind the house with aqua shutters). Celebrated around the world for her famous omelette, cooked over an open fire in the large fireplace at her auberge, La Mère Poulard has remained a reference in French gastronomy thanks to a varied, inventive and light cuisine that blends tradition with quality and simplicity. Voici une recette traditionnelle venue tout droit de Normandie, l'omelette façon mère Poulard ! Prenez le contrôle de votre page pour répondre gratuitement aux avis, mettre à jour votre page et bien plus encore. There is nothing like it. Fabulous post, David. In the titular essay from the collected short works of Elizabeth David, An Omelette and a Glass of Wine, the ‘awful genius’ of post-war food writing tells of a certain Madame Poularde, celebrated throughout France for her omelettes. Reply, I have spent many a time at MstM and it’s counterpart in England being from Jersey in the Channel Isles. She calls it Puffy Omelet, and I’ve had great success with it. As you said, they probably add in egg white. p.s. We went local with Camembert and roasted potatoes (above), which hit the bull’s-eye. Reply, I was there about a decade ago. I hadn’t been able to find one that thick in France for my kitchen. Reply, You just brought back a deep-seated memory: I’d stayed at a hotel in Brest — probably paid the equivalent of $2 — so I could take the bus to MSM in the a.m. At the bus station, in the salle d’attente / bar, I saw a small, French man in a black suit and black beret drinking a glass of vin rouge — at 8 o’clock in the morning. Reply, I don’t know why they beat them in copper. Some feel it is very touristy. Reply, God that’s gorgeous… food porn indeed. Great post too! Reply, I’ve been dying to go see this part of the world ever since I read “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr which takes place mostly at Saint-Malo. Reply, Wonderful information. What a treasured memory. In addition to the omelet, the region is known for its excellent oysters and agneau pre-salé, lambs that graze on salty grasses, which give their flavorful meat a particularly tender texture. I’m wondering if you brought it home and gazed upon it in its new environs, wondering about it’s age, experience and temperment; a treasure like that would seem to have a life of it’s own. Many thanks, anyway sparkling water is an ingredient that gets the eggs fluffy. My favorite food item nearby are the almond cookies from Biscuiterie du Mont St Michel, topped with candied cheeries. Reply, David, I’ve never seen one so light in color. One I have seen even goes so far to suggest she put foie gras into the omelette.”, Finally, David writes, someone saw fit to ask Madame herself for her recipe. Looking forward to your piece on Villedieau! Mont St-Michel is on my bucket list. I didn’t know about the Mauviel factory store or I’m sure there would have been a small something in my carry on bag. Reply. I’ve been working like a madman, finishing one book and wrapping up another at the same time. Mont Saint-Michel, France A million years ago I bought a French-made copper bowl from Fred Bridge that was a replica of a bowl for my K5 KitchenAid mixer. 34 Euro for an omelet may seem a tad expensive until you consider what passes for an omelet in NA and the prices charged for those. $12.97 $ 12. An overnight in Mont Saint-Michelle is now on our wish list. I’m completely jealous of your copper pan. I have heard the quality has had its up and downs over the years and am glad to hear it is presently “up”. Reminded me a little of the new Year’s eve I spent there with my boyfriend 10 years ago !! Another reason people come to Normandy, and Mont Saint-Michel, is for the souffléed omelet at La Mère Poulard, the plus célèbre omelette in the world. And beautifully written. Combien faut-il débourser pour consommer une omelette chez la Mère Poulard au Mont-Saint-Michel - Regardez. Il est bien triste que vous ne l'ayez vécu ainsi.Nous espérons que malgré cela, votre visite du Mont Saint-Michel vous aura laissé des souvenirs plaisants et inoubliables.Bien cordialement. : ) Reply. Apologies for any typos or errors that may occur on the blog. Madame is in the kitchen and Monsieur runs the front of the house, and speaks very good English. Before dinner, when I’d spent some time with Chef Crespier in the kitchen, while we chatted, I couldn’t take my eyes (or hands) off the heavy copper bowls. Reply, Hello, David: This is all very interesting. What sayeth thou? Late November, there were only two tables of people in the restaurant. Reply, Mt. Les mises à jour de votre carte ont été suspendues. That omelette looks like the Jean Imbert ones I see in the pictures. Did you see any cream around? Thank you for sharing. By combining only the best ingredients with the rare and unparalleded, age old, artisanal craft of baking, the result is always outstanding. Reply, We spent a night on Mont Saint Michel, and it was wonderful after the crowds left. Sur un marché où les marques rivalisent d’invention et de modernisation, la biscuiterie La Mère Poulard fait le pari du Goût du Bon avec des produits simples et vrais dans le respect de la tradition : ces recettes traditionnelles et authentiques et leurs conditionnement rappellent les racines et l’univers de la biscuiterie.. Aujourd’hui comme en 1888, La Mère Poulard vous … I have a slight quibble with your source re MSM being the second most popular attraction after the TE though. Because, like me, you’re bound to be farci. Can’t discover online. Oh my, I have her Breakfast cookbook. (At home, you can use a damp towel rolled into a circle, or they sell “bowl stabilizers,” although a kitchen towel works pretty well.) Now we have another reason to head up into that direction, cause I’m dying for myself to try out this iconic omelet! Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de TripAdvisor et non de TripAdvisor LLC. Les avis sont affichés dans tous les classements chronologiquement. “As with all very simple things, the omelette has attracted a certain mystique amongst those convinced that there must be more to it than meets the eye. I would love one of those or its equivalent to sit my copper bowl inside. Reply, Juiia Child once did a “contest” on her television program in which she compared egg whites beaten by hand (her hand) in a copper bowl with egg whites beaten with an electric mixer. Reply, We had a day trip to Normandy last spring and our host gave us a choice between MSM and Omaha Beach, because we didn’t have time for both. I find that my omelettes are fluffier with cream. And the Normands in our group generally won the argument. Reply. I love fluffy filled omelettes. It gets a lot of use but when I am whipping eggs for an omelette I always think of those men and women standing at de la Mere Poulard whisking for hours on end. St. Michel as being all booked up in advance. They will give you the best tips for where to park, and timing to beat the crowds. – and I would love to know: If you’ll look through David’s site, I believe he tells what kind of camera he uses and other frequently asked questions. And since when is a proper omelette allowed to brown, even briefly?