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BAM! The 7 Biggest Ways Emeril Lagasse Is Kicking It Up A Notch In 2025

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Emeril Lagasse, the celebrity chef whose infectious energy and signature catchphrase "Bam!" defined an era of culinary television, is far from slowing down. As of late 2025, the chef-restaurateur is experiencing a massive resurgence, not just through new restaurant ventures but through the incredible success of his son, E.J. Lagasse, who is ushering in a new era for the Lagasse culinary empire in New Orleans.

This article dives deep into the latest updates, from new establishments and philanthropic milestones to the prestigious awards that now define the Lagasse family's legacy. The "Big Easy" chef continues to expand his influence, proving that his blend of Creole, Cajun, and global flavors remains a powerful force in the competitive world of fine dining and media.

Emeril Lagasse: A Comprehensive Biography

Emeril John Lagasse III is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author. His career is marked by a passionate dedication to New Orleans cuisine and an entrepreneurial spirit that built a multi-million-dollar brand.

  • Full Name: Emeril John Lagasse III
  • Date of Birth: October 15, 1959
  • Place of Birth: Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
  • Parents: Emeril John Lagasse, Jr. and Hilda Medeiros
  • Education: Graduated from the culinary program at Johnson & Wales University (1978)
  • Spouse(s): Elizabeth Kief (m. 1978; div.), Tari Hohn (m. 1989; div.), Alden Lovelace (m. 2000; present)
  • Children: Four, including E.J. Lagasse.
  • Career Highlights: Succeeded Paul Prudhomme as Executive Chef at Commander's Palace (1981); Opened his flagship restaurant, Emeril's (1990); Starred in popular Food Network shows like Emeril Live and The Essence of Emeril.
  • Net Worth: Estimated at $70 million (as of 2025).

The New Era: Emeril's Empire Kicks It Up in 2025

The year 2025 has cemented the Lagasse name's status in the upper echelons of American fine dining. The focus has shifted from solely Emeril's personal celebrity to the deep-rooted, long-term success of his culinary institutions and the rise of the next generation.

1. Emeril’s Restaurant Earns Two MICHELIN Stars

Perhaps the most significant news is the recognition of Emeril's flagship restaurant. In the 2025 Michelin Guide for the American South, Emeril's in the New Orleans Warehouse District was awarded two MICHELIN Stars.

This prestigious honor recognizes the restaurant's "excellent cooking, worth a detour," a testament to the enduring quality of its creative New American cuisine with a strong New Orleans influence.

2. E.J. Lagasse Wins Young Chef Award

The two-star recognition is directly tied to the talent of Emeril’s son, E.J. Lagasse, who serves as the Executive Chef at Emeril's. E.J. was named the 2025 American South Young Chef Award Winner, signaling a generational shift in the family business.

E.J. is widely seen as successfully carrying the torch, blending his father's foundational Creole and Cajun flavors with a modern, inventive approach to fine dining. This father-son synergy is a major focus for the Lagasse Group's future.

3. Two Major New Orleans Restaurant Openings

The Emeril Group is expanding its footprint in its home city of New Orleans with two highly anticipated new establishments, demonstrating continued commitment to the city's vibrant food scene.

  • Emeril's Brasserie: This new restaurant expands Lagasse’s offerings in the city, providing a more casual, yet still refined, dining experience.
  • 34 Restaurant & Bar: Slated to open in late Summer 2024, this venue is described as Lagasse’s "love letter to Portugal." It represents a deep dive into Portuguese cuisine, reflecting a more global influence in his portfolio.

4. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s $1.5M Grant Milestone

Beyond the kitchen, Lagasse’s philanthropic efforts continue to make a substantial impact. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation celebrated a major milestone in 2025, distributing $1.5 million in grants.

These funds are dedicated to supporting youth and educational programs, specifically through culinary, nutrition, and arts programs, building a stronger future for the next generation. This focus highlights the chef’s commitment to giving back to the communities that supported his career.

The Pillars of the Emeril Empire: Products and Media

While the restaurant side of the business is seeing incredible growth and accolades, the media and product divisions remain crucial to the overall Lagasse brand's topical authority and massive net worth.

5. A Cookbook Focused on Hard-Won Wisdom

Emeril's connection to his audience remains strong through his extensive library of cookbooks. His latest release, *Essential Emeril: Favorite Recipes and Hard-Won Wisdom from My Life in the Kitchen*, offers fans a blend of classic recipes and personal insights.

The book serves as a guide for home cooks, reinforcing the simple, yet bold, flavors that made his shows like Emeril Live and The Essence of Emeril so popular on the Food Network.

6. The Enduring Power of the Las Vegas Presence

Emeril’s restaurant group, The Emeril Group, continues to maintain a strong presence outside of New Orleans, particularly in the competitive Las Vegas market. He currently operates nine restaurants across the country, with two key establishments in Las Vegas.

These venues ensure the Lagasse brand is synonymous with high-end dining on both the Gulf Coast and the West Coast, attracting a national audience of culinary tourists and casino patrons.

7. The Legacy of the Banana Cream Pie

A true testament to the enduring power of a signature dish, Emeril’s famous Banana Cream Pie remains a cultural phenomenon. It has been a permanent fixture on the menu at Emeril's for decades and is so iconic that the chef has personally supported banana growers worldwide to ensure its quality.

This seemingly simple dessert represents the core of the Emeril brand: taking classic comfort food and elevating it with impeccable technique and quality ingredients, making it a must-try for any visitor to his establishments.

What’s Next for the Lagasse Culinary Dynasty?

With the opening of 34 Restaurant & Bar, the two-star Michelin rating for Emeril's, and the rise of E.J. Lagasse, the narrative for Emeril Lagasse in 2025 is one of successful transition and continued expansion. The focus is clearly on solidifying the family's legacy and exploring new global flavors, all while maintaining the bold, flavorful foundation of Cajun and Creole cooking that made him a household name. The culinary world is watching to see how much higher the Lagasse family can "kick it up a notch" next.

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