Celebrating love at La Mère Poulard
Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France is famous among pilgrims. At the entrance of the Norman hallowed fortress was a quaint little nook where Annette
Poulard served travelers with simple French bites. She first opened her inn in Mont SaintMichel in 1888. Her cooking style was a break from traditional styles of that era, creating dishes using all the ingredients the region was known for — butter, fresh eggs and poultry from surrounding farms, Saltbush lamb, and seafood. She served what she cooked in locally made copper equipment. Her fame in France earned the name “La Mère Poulard,” an honorary title awarded to the country’s finest female cooks in France of that time.
An authentic French casual dining concept brings the unintimidating, comforting and delicious flavors of Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy to Manila. La Mère Poulard is known for its world-famous omelet souffle paired with scallops and ratatouille (it can also be paired with bacon, cheese, or potatoes), served in its trademark copper pan dishes and cocotte. Exactly 130 years after the restaurant first opened in France, it is now in Manila, the restaurant’s fourth branch in the world after opening two in Japan.
Recently, Dennis and Tessa Valdes invited their closest friends for a very intimate celebration of their 24th wedding anniversary at the newest casual French restaurant, La Mère Poulard at SM Aura Premier in Taguig. Guests were asked to come in French-inspired outfits for the early dinner.
The restaurant offers more than the traditional French foray. Select Filipino dishes get a French flair like the beef kaldereta.
La Mère Poulard’s Deb Tan passionately shared about French food and the casual French dining experience. She said, “French food doesn’t have to be all about fine dining. You can also have a wonderful French meal in a comfortable and casual setting.”
Indeed, the food was wonderful. One order of the fluffy and light omelet was good enough for two people! I also had the chicken breast, which was moist and full of flavor. The scallops were cooked perfectly by a team of chefs led by young French chef Clement Damotte.
All the couple’s guests went home with La Mère Poulard butter biscuits, which are also sold at the restaurant. The plain butter and the apple-caramel cookies were my favorite! I’ve only tried some of the dishes there and was satisfied with all so I do intend to go back to this place! (La Mère Poulard is located at the Upper Ground Level, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City. For reservations or inquiries, call 0917-5800137 or 838-1238.)