La Mère Poulard facts for kids
La Mère Poulard is a well-known restaurant and hotel located on the amazing island of Mont Saint-Michel in France. This famous spot opened its doors in 1879. It's especially famous for a wall covered with autographs from many well-known people who have eaten there over the years, like the writer Ernest Hemingway and the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
The Story of La Mère Poulard
The restaurant was started by a clever woman named Anne "Annette" Boutiaut. She was born in 1851 and lived until 1931. Anne married Victor Poulard on January 14, 1873. Together, they opened a place called the Hostellerie de la Tête d'Or.
They noticed that visitors to Mont Saint-Michel often arrived and left very quickly because of the changing tides. To encourage people to stay longer, Anne had a brilliant idea: she would cook huge, delicious omelettes over a wood fire. This made their guests want to linger and enjoy their meal.
The Famous Omelette
The restaurant quickly became super famous for its special dish, the Omelette de la mère Poulard. This isn't just any omelette! It's several inches thick and is made in special copper bowls that are hammered by hand. The omelettes are cooked over an open fire, which gives them a unique taste and texture. They are so fluffy that they look more like a soufflé than a regular omelette.
Over the years, the price of this famous omelette has changed. For example, in summer 2009, a small portion (250 grams) cost about €45. By June 2012, the price for a basic omelette (300 grams) had risen to €75. This special omelette is often served with tasty additions like half a grilled lobster and truffled potatoes.
