Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
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La Croix article on Mère Poulard
Annette Poulard's generosity has taken the world by storm since she opened her inn on Mont Saint-Michel in 1888.
In his book, Eric Vannier tells the story of this young cook from Nevers, who, after working for a famous French architect of historic monuments, followed him to Mont Saint-Michel. There, after meeting her future husband, Victor Poulard, Annette opened a restaurant that was to become a veritable institution.
Her customers were pilgrims who, after a long and arduous journey across the bay, were looking for comfort, food and lodging.
The Poulards came up with the idea of offering individual tables, rather than large impersonal ones, and serving a quick and simple meal. An omelette made with fresh local eggs, cooked over an open fire in a large frying pan waiting in the hearth.
To children arriving at Mont Saint-Michel, Annette offered butter cookies stamped with the lucky number 1888. Today, these cookies can be savored in Mont Saint-Michel boutiques or ordered from the La Mère Poulard cookie factory website
In this richly illustrated book, readers will discover the history of the 8th wonder of the world, as well as 88 recipes from Annette Poulard's notebooks. It's up to each and every one of us to reproduce a simple yet gourmet cuisine recognized by the great chefs of our generation.
Visitors to Mont Saint-Michel are invited to sample La Mère Poulard's famous omelette. We strongly advise you to reserve your table in advance on the website https://www.lamerepoulard.com
Like the 75,000 people who come every year to watch the cooks busy themselves in front of the big fireplace, preparing the restaurant's famous speciality, which can be enjoyed savoury, with seasonal vegetables and lardons, or as a dessert, with calvados apples.
For those looking for a moment of seclusion, it's possible to book a room at La Mère Poulard inn. This allows you to be alone on the rock in the evening, when the tide is high and Le Mont Saint-Michel becomes an island again.
Les Carnets de cuisine de la Mère Poulard, by Éric Vannier. Ed. du Chêne. 2018. 88 recipes. 336 p. 18,88 €
https://www.la-croix.com/Culture/Art-de-vivre/Mere-Poulard-cest-France-2018-04-06-1200929605