Who knew that a kid working in the local Portuguese bakery would burst with a bam! onto the culinary scene, opening six successful restaurants, hosting two hugely popular TV shows and becoming one of the most beloved chefs of all time? Emeril opened his first restaurant in 1990. From the day its doors opened, Emeril's Restaurant—and the multi-talented man who reinvents it with every meal—drew ecstatic praise. Congratulations came not only from the local New Orleans gentry and the writers who prowl the region for culinary news but also from such national magazines as Esquire, Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure, as well as from such noted food critics as John Mariani and Gene Bourg. Following the success of Emeril's Restaurant, Emeril has opened five more establishments. NOLA, opened in New Orleans' French Quarter in 1992, and Emeril's New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, which premiered in 1995, both draw crowds of fans and earn rave reviews. In 1998, Emeril also reopened the classic Delmonico's in New Orleans. Two more restaurants quickly followed in 1999—Emeril's Orlando at Universal Studios and Delmonico Steakhouse in Las Vegas. Despite his success, Emeril hasn't changed much. He remains devoted as ever to using fresh, top-quality ingredients and employs cottage industry ranchers, farmers and fishermen to ensure that he always gets the best. Emeril is always inventing new cuisine, much to the delight of his regular customers and the fans of his two Food Network shows, The Essence of Emeril and Emeril Live.
Emeril Lagasse