Chef Emeril Lagasse's passion for food was ignited in his childhood, spent in the small town of Fall River, Massachusetts, where he would assist his mother, Hilda, in the kitchen. This early exposure to the culinary world laid the foundation for his future success. As a teenager, Lagasse worked at a Portuguese bakery, honing his skills in bread and pastry baking. After high school graduation, he turned down a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music to pursue his dream of becoming a chef, instead earning a degree from Johnson and Wales University.
Following his studies, Lagasse traveled to Paris and Lyon, France, where he refined his culinary expertise and learned the art of classic French cuisine. Upon his return to the United States, he worked in fine restaurants in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia before receiving a job offer from Dick and Ella Brennan, which led him to New Orleans and the legendary Commander's Palace, where he spent nearly eight years as head chef.
As a national television personality, Lagasse has hosted over 2,000 shows on the Food Network and serves as the food correspondent for ABC's Good Morning America. He has also appeared as a guest judge on Bravo's Top Chef and co-hosted TNT's cooking series On the Menu. In addition, Lagasse has been a guest on the Rachael Ray Show and has his own show, Emeril's Florida, on the Cooking Channel.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lagasse has received numerous awards and accolades, including the 2013 Humanitarian of the Year award from the James Beard Foundation for his philanthropic work and dedication to furthering the culinary arts in America. He has also been recognized as Restaurateur of the Year, Distinguished Service Award winner, and Executive of the Year, among many other honors.
