Who knew that a kid working in the local Portuguese bakery would burst with a bam(!) into the culinary scene, opening a series of successful restaurants, hosting popular TV shows and becoming one of the most recognizable chefs of all time?

Emeril Lagasse is now the chef-proprietor of 13 restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando, Charlotte, and Bethlehem. The recognition and awards he has garnered have made him known to food-loving Americans everywhere.

As a national TV personality, he has hosted over 2000 shows on the Food Network, and is the food correspondent for ABC's "Good Morning America." In his latest series, Emeril's Table on Hallmark Channel, he invites viewers to join a group of five special diners at his chef's table for an intimate shared experience that includes a cooking lesson and recipes geared toward their interests. His widely popular series Emeril Live also airs on Cooking Channel.

Emeril is the author of 16 bestselling cookbooks including Emeril's New New Orleans Cooking which introduced his creative take on Creole cuisine. His newest book, Emeril's Sandwiches will be released in October.

His restaurants have consistently won critical praise and top ratings for over two decades. Lagasse himself has also received accolades and awards for his culinary expertise. Most recently in 2011, he was honored by James Beard Foundation for his dedicated efforts to further the culinary arts in America, as well as his philanthropic work supporting children's educational programs through the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.

In 2002, Emeril established the Emeril Lagasse Foundation to support children's educational programs that inspire and mentor young people through the culinary arts, school food and nutrition and important life skills programs. In March 2011, Emeril dedicated the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Culinary Arts Studio, a four-year culinary arts program for high school students with master-apprentice curriculum at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. Each fall, the foundation hosts its primary annual fundraiser, Carnivale du Vin, which has consistently ranked among the "Top Ten U.S. Charity Wine Auctions" in Wine Spectator magazine. Since 2005, Carnivale du Vin has raised over $12 million for children's charities in the communities that are home to Emeril's restaurants.

Despite his success, Emeril remains devoted as ever to using fresh, top-quality ingredients and employs cottage industry ranchers, farmers and fishermen to ensure that he always gets the best. He constantly invents new recipes, much to the delight of his regular customers and the fans of his Food Network specials and shows.