L
Lagasse, Emeril
Identification World-renowned chef, author, and
television personality
Born October 15, 1959; Fall River, Massachusetts
During the 1990’s, Lagasse owned and operated several
high-end, extremely popular restaurants, and he also be-
came a television star. His enthusiasm for good food in-
spired a legion of fans to tackle dishes never attempted in
their home kitchens.
Growing up in Massachusetts as the son of a French
Canadian father and a Portuguese mother, Emeril
Lagasse was introduced to ethnic cooking at an early
age. As a child, Lagasse embraced his mother’s love
of cooking, making kale soup and Portuguese stuff-
ing for family gatherings. In 1978, Lagasse completed
the culinary program at Johnson and Wales Univer-
sity. After graduation, he studied cooking in France.
Returning to the United States, he worked in a vari-
ety of restaurants. His big break came in 1982 when
Ella Brennan, owner of the prestigious Com-
mander’s Palace in New Orleans, was looking for a
replacement for legendary chef Paul Prudomme.
After a five-day, on-site interview, Lagasse was hired.
In New Orleans, Lagasse learned to incorporateLate night television host Jay Leno, left, cooks with chef Emeril Lagasse on Leno’s show on September 30, 1998.(AP/Wide World
Photos)