Vol. 9

Day

6

Make a Proper
French Omelet

First things first: a French omelet is not the rubbery, browned half-circle fold of eggs you get at your local greasy spoon. No, we're talking about the decadent, almost-custardy omelet you'd get at a bistro in France. Or at Petit Trois, chef Ludo Lefebvre's popular Parisian-style eatery in Los Angeles. He's known as something of an omelet master, so we've adapted how he makes his at the restaurant so that you can easily prepare one at home in under three minutes.
Ludo Lefebvre
Unlike your average overstuffed Denver omelet, this one is simple but so damn satisfying. Sumptuous, bright yellow and glistening with butter, it makes for a comforting, satisfying (and protein-packed) meal you can prepare for yourself any time of the day. An easy weeknight dinner, it comes together in less time than it takes to tap out a takeout order on your phone. Plus, mastering the meal is an essential skill to have in your arsenal for when someone special stays the night. Consider it the gentleman's breakfast that can be made with items you almost always have on hand.

What You Need

3 fresh eggs

(as close to "straight out of a chicken's ass," says Lefebvre)

Butter

Sea salt

Pepper

(Lefebvre uses white pepper, but black works well too)

Nonstick pan

(necessary for achieving that perfect roll)

Optional

Chives to finish the dish and a soft cheese for inside the omelet
(Lefebvre prefers Boursin).

The Technique

1

For an evenly cooked omelet, you need a smooth egg mixture. Start by whisking your eggs until evenly mixed into a consistent yellow color with no stray strands of whites or yolks. Season your mix with a pinch of salt.

2

Add a generous knob of butter to your pan on medium to medium-low heat. The butter should slowly melt, not start sizzling. When you begin seeing little bubbles form in the butter, add your eggs. Again, you shouldn't hear anything when the eggs hit the pan.

3

As soon as your eggs are in the skillet, use a heat-resistant silicone spatula to stir (or rather vigorously mix) your eggs to prevent any curds or wrinkles from forming and ensuring an even cooking process. Do this for about a minute. Occasionally scrape down the sides of the pan to make sure no bits of egg overcook.

4

Turn off the heat and let your omelet sit in the hot pan for a few seconds to solidify the shape and make for easier rolling.

5

If you're using cheese, this is when Lefebvre adds a few dollops in a line down the center.

6

Holding the skillet in your left hand, tilt the pan away from you and start gently rolling your omelet. Once you've made your first roll, add a small pat of butter to the skillet—this loosens everything up and makes the rest of the roll easy.

7

Finish with a sprinkle of salt and some finely chopped chives (if you'd like).

Volume 9   //   2017

When we started our 31 Days series, way back in 2009, it was an idea that began out of the natural tendency to see the new year as a restart of sorts. Each day, we put up a short tip or trick to help readers get a fresh start to the new year and step up their game. Then we did it again the next year and it's grown every year since, proving to be one of Valet.'s most popular series ever. This year, nearly a decade in, we've shifted the focus just a touch—narrowing in on skills and attributes we believe make you a better man. Little things that have a big, lasting impact on your life and the lives of those around you. Everyday this month, we'll introduce a topic or idea aimed at helping you look your best, feel great and be the civilized 21st century gentleman we all strive to be. Best of luck in 2017 and thanks for reading.

  • 1
    Never Say
    This Again
  • 2
    Spend Less Time
    on Your Phone
  • 3
    Dress to
    Impress
  • 4
    Take Better
    Photos
  • 5
    Why You Should
    Read More
  • 6
    Make a
    Proper Omelet
  • 7
    Keep a
    Journal
  • 8
    Save for
    Your Future
  • 9
    Clear
    Your Mind
  • 10
    Raise Your
    Best Friend
  • 11
    Be a
    Master Charmer
  • 12
    Secure Your
    Online Identity
  • 13
    Listen to
    Your Old Man
  • 14
    The To-Do List
    Game Plan
  • 15
    Make the
    Perfect Steak
  • 16
    Gentleman's
    Study
  • 17
    Know Your
    Health Numbers
  • 18
    Get Out
    of Debt
  • 19
    Wear Something
    With History
  • 20
    Embrace Your
    Passions
  • 21
    Boost Your
    Confidence
  • 22
    Drop Weight
    (The Right Way)
  • 23
    Be a Master
    Home Bartender
  • 24
    Take a
    Solo Trip
  • 25
    Get
    Involved
  • 26
    Nightly
    Routines
  • 27
    Tell a
    Joke
  • 28
    Sleep
    Naked
  • 29
    Take Care of
    Your Clothes
  • 30
    Date-Proof
    Your Place
  • 31
    Overcome
    Your Fears