BRANDON, FL -- World renowned chef Emeril Lagasse was recently in Brandon at the Books a Million for the signing of his new book '20 40 60.'
I had the opportunity to sit and chat with this celebrity chef who I have come to know as a friend.
Emeril and I met more than a decade ago when I was an anchor at WWL in New Orleans. My apartment was down the street from the original Emerils.
Often times, after work, he would cook for me and try out some of his new recipes. I take credit for the banana creme pie! I must have had more than a hundred slices before Emeril was satisfied it was the very best!
Soon, he shot up to super stardom. I left and came here to Tampa. But, we never lost touch. Because of our history, I asked him if we could chat while he was in town.
His newest '20 40 60' had just been published. At least 5 hundred people lined up in Brandon at the Books a Million to get a signed copy.
As he always been, Emeril was gracious and signed a copy for anyone who wanted it. Even taking a personal interest asking many questions such as who the book was for.
He personalized everyone of them and many people bought multiple copies. Emeril told me, he loves this book because it gets back to the basics.
"They (the books) are like children you know they are all very different and they each have their own personality. In this book I have many favorite recipes, but one of my absolute favorites is
Emeril told me he loves to create books, this is his 14th. but there are many more projects he is involved in, including one that is very hush hush, but that did not stop me from asking what it was.
"Chicken cordon bleu. What happened to chicken cordon bleu? You could go to restaurants 20 years ago and find chicken cordon bleu everywhere. Now you can never find chicken cordon bleu so I put chicken cordon bleu back in the book.""I have just finished and I should not be saying this but you and I are such great friends I have to say, I just finished a major iron chef battle that will debut on The Food Network January the 3rd to kick off the new season. It has a little to do with the White House it has a little to do with the first lady Michelle Obama it might have a little to do with her garden I can not say anything more. I have already told you way to much because we are such great friends."
And that was the only dish, Emeril scooped out.
"I was disappointed when "Emeril Live" went away. but someone wants does not want "Emeril Live" to go away."
Emeril live was canceled by The Food Network two years ago. Emeril told me, don't be surprised to see him back on prime time soon with a new show!
There were still more surprises, I had something pretty special to share with him.
I introduced him to my newest addition-Samantha. Sammie as I like to call her. She is now two years old and Emeril has not met my little girl until she came running out to greet him at the Book a Million.
"Sammie it is no nice to meet you. I used to cook for your mommy and I am sure I am going to cook for you to."
Yes, Emeril believes in keeping his friends close. In fact, his now massive restaurant operation is run by many of the managers I met in New Orleans years ago. He may be world famous, but Emeril is truly a genuine person who loves to cook and share!
