Toque of the Town

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse is back with an eelvated menu concept, new TV shows and a tasty appearance at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival

- Jacquelynn Powers Maurice

FOR MUCH OF the ’90s and aughts, the culinary scene was defined by Emeril Lagasse and his catchphrase “Bam!” on the Food Network and other outlets. The colorful chef made cooking fun, accessible and even boisterous, hosting Emeril Live with an audience and house band from 1997 to 2010 on the Food Network and Fine Living.

At one point, his restaurant empire stretched from New Orleans to Las Vegas and Miami Beach. He appeared regularly at prestigious food events, including the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, and on television shows like ABC’s Good Morning America and Bravo’s Top Chef. Lagasse penned 19 cookbooks, sold pots and pans on HSN, and even had a network sitcom on NBC, called Emeril.

Lagasse’s “Bam!” seemed ubiquitous. Until it wasn’t.

The chef admits that the pandemic took a toll on his restaurants and relentless travel schedule. Lagasse, now 63, had to close seven eateries and let go of countless employees. “It’s been a challenge for the entire industry," he says, "not just me."