What can you say about a man who has accomplished so much in the foodservice industry in such a short amount of time? A man who is an accomplished chef and one of the most successful restraunteurs in the world. He is not so very different from you or I, he was born and raised just a stones throw from our very campus.
This man is the epitome of food entertainment. He took a degree from Johnson and Wales University and turned it into a successful business empire. His face is on many kitchen items and countless magazines advertising a new, cutting edge which makes food fun for the everyday cook.
Emeril Lagasse is the man with the golden toque. His humble beginnings date back to How to Boil Water, a low budget show which took a normal chef and launched him into food entertainment immortality. His seven restaurants have reservation waiting lists well into 3 even 6 months time.
I firsthand had the pleasure of having an in depth conversation with the man himself. In the few be few briefs moments I had with Emeril, he inquired about me. Me, not how successful he is or how I should bow down and genuflect in his presence. He wanted to know about me, which made me have a whole new respect for him. He was interested in my goals, my professional aspirations, and about how I got into the culinary field that he made a household name.
More than 8 million viewers watch Emeril make magic on a nightly basis. He is known the world over and held in high regard by any cook who was confused by fancy, French cookbooks. His shows is for the little guy. The woman who has but 30 minutes to prepare dinner for her hungry family. His shows are for the people. Not profit.
Highlights of his career include being named People magazines 25 most intriguing people of the year. His television sows have been nominated for 2 Emmy's. His latest accomplishment has been establishing the Emeril Lagasse Foundation this past September.