Emeril's Restaurant Opens December 8

December 5, 2005 – Emeril Lagasse’s flagship restaurant, Emeril’s, will reopen on Thursday, December 8 for dinner service. Hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday from 6:00-10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 6:00-10:30 pm. Lagasse’s second restaurant, NOLA, will reopen Tuesday, December 13 for dinner service. Hours of operation will be Tuesday-Thursday, 6:00-10:00pm, and Friday-Sunday, 6:00-10:30pm.

“It has been such an unbelievably difficult time for everyone in New Orleans and on the Gulf Coast,” says Emeril Lagasse. “We are very happy to reopen our doors, reuniting with our friends, and all of our loyal customers through the years. I love this city, and I look forward to working together to build an even better New Orleans.”

Since the restaurant first opened its doors on March 24, 1990 in the Warehouse District, it immediately became the focus of ecstatic praise. In its first year, the restaurant was named “Best New Restaurant” by Esquire magazine and has since received numerous awards including the prestigious “Ivy Award” from Restaurants & Institutions magazine in 1994, and Wine Spectator magazine’s highest honor, the “Grand Award” in 1999. The restaurant has also earned “Four Diamonds” from AAA and “Four Stars” from Mobil Travel Guide.

The menu at Emeril’s is an exploration of what Lagasse calls ‘new’ New Orleans cooking, Creole cuisine with ethnic influences such as Southwestern, Asian, or Portuguese. Lagasse remains devoted as ever to using fresh, top quality ingredients, and employs cottage industry ranchers, farmers, and fisherman to ensure that the menu incorporates only the finest and freshest products available. Emeril’s New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp, Grilled Double Cut Niman Pork Chop and Banana Cream Pie continue to be signature dishes today.

Emeril’s is located in a renovated warehouse on Tchoupitoulas Street, true to the feel of the Warehouse District neighborhood. Designed by the David Rockwell Group, the interior features exposed brick, hardwood floors, an open kitchen and a unique chef’s food bar with a signature metal and glass proscenium filled with spices.

Upper management at Emeril’s includes Tony Lott, Director of Operations; Kevin Delaune, General Manager and Chris Lynch, Chef de Cuisine.

For reservations at Emeril’s, please call 504-528-9393. For reservations at NOLA, please call 504-522-6652.

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