Emeril Lagasse
Restaurant Owner, Chef
Television Host, Cookbook Author
Early Years
With humble beginnings as a teenager working at a bakery in his Fall River, Massachusetts neighborhood, Emeril went on to complete the culinary program at New England's Johnson and Wales University. He spent time in Paris and Lyon, France learning classical techniques before returning to the U.S. to work in a number of fine restaurants on the East Coast. It was Ella Brennan of New Orlean's most prominent restaurant family that brought Emeril in to run the kitchen at the legendary Commander's Palace.
In 1980, Emeril opened Emeril's, the first of six successful restaurants that are operating today. The first, Emeril's, features an eclectic array of what he has termed New New Orleans cuisine. NOLA's, located in New Orleans famed French Quarter, offers fresh adaptations of classic Creole cuisine. One culinary icon meets another in the finest Creole style at Emeril's Delmonico Restaurant & Bar, which was originally established in 1895 and is located in the Garden District of New Orleans. Delmonico's Las Vegas, located at the Venetian Resort & Casino, is leading the way to establishing Las Vegas as a dining mecca. Over at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Emeril's New Orleans Fishhouse brings New Orlean's culture to the Las Vegas strip. Last, but not least, Emeril's Restaurant Orlando has brought the authentic New Orleans experience to Universal Studios.
Current Projects
In addition to hosting the Food Network's two most popular shows, overseeing a group of very successful restaurants, and appearing all over the country on behalf of many food industry partners, Emeril has also found time to author 5 cookbooks, published by William Morrow & Company. Emeril's TV Dinners is a collection of favorite recipes from his cooking shows. Creole Christmas features holiday recipes - Creole style. Louisiana Real and Rustic includes only the very best and most authentic, regional recipes. New New Orleans Cooking spotlights rich traditions fused with modern ingredients and techniques. Emeril's latest best seller, Every Day's A Party: Louisiana Recipes for Celebrating with Family and Friends, is a collection of Louisiana's best recipes for every type of celebration.
Devoted to using only the highest quality and freshest ingredients, Emeril has always paid homage to the food of Louisiana, with the occasional influence of the world's other fine cuisines. His unique style has garnered praise from regional culinary circles, national culinary publications, noted food critics, and millions of fans. His talent and creativity is unlimited. His fans hang on his every word and with the stir of every spoon. With Emeril in the culinary world, every day is definitely a party.
Recognition
He's been called one of People Magazine's 25 Most Intriguing People, and the Gastronomical Equivalent of Elvis Presley. Very few personalities over the years are recognized by just their first names - Garbo, La Liz, Hef, Duke, Cher - and now Emeril joins this very exclusive group. Emeril has two famous catch phrases. The first is "Kick it up a notch" which is often followed by the second, "BAM!", often uttered as he tosses an ample amount of seasoning into whatever dish he is preparing.
Whether watching one of his own shows, Emeril Live and the Essence of Emeril on the Food Network, or when Emeril kicks the weekend up a notch on Friday's episode of ABC TV's Good Morning America, food fans can't get enough of this culinary superstar.
For reservations and additional information about Emeril's Restaurants, please contact the following:
- Emeril's, (504) 528-9393, located in the Warehouse District of New Orleans.
- NOLA's, (504) 522-6652, located in New Orlean's French Quarter.
- Delmonico's Restaurant & Bar, (504) 525-4937, in the Garden District of New Orleans.
- Delmonico's Las Vegas, (702) 414-3737, at the Venetian Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
- Emeril's New Orlean's Fishhouse, (702) 891-7374, at the MGM Grand Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.
- Emeril's Restaurant Orlando, (407) 224-2424, at Universal Studios Orlando.
More information and recipes are available from the following web sites:
Quick Facts:
- Called one of People Magazine's 25 Most Intriguing People
- Emeril's, features an eclectic array of what he has termed New New Orleans cuisine
- Television Host - Emeril Live & Essence of Emeril on the Food Network, ABC TV's Good Morning America
