“I wouldn't ask any of my employees to do anything I wouldn't do. And I work as hard, if not harder than the rest of the staff, to set an example. I also believe in giving my employees a lot of room to be creative and to express themselves.”

American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author

Emeril Lagasse is an American chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author. Born in 1959, he is known for his work in Creole and Cajun cooking and for developing his own "New New Orleans" style. He won the National Best Recipe award in 2003 for his "Turkey and Hot Sausage Chili" recipe, and he is also a regional James Beard Award winner. His background includes Portuguese heritage on his mother's side and French heritage through his father. He is the father of chef E. J. Lagasse.