The acclaimed chef tells T+L all about his new restaurant, his travel routine, and more.
Zack Smith/Courtesy of 34 Restaurant & Bar
Emeril Lagasse is synonymous with New Orleans dining.
(The area has the largest concentration of Portuguese Americans in the United States.)
Emeril Lagasse and his son E.J. at their 34 Restaurant & Bar in New Orleans.Credit:Zack Smith/Courtesy of 34 Restaurant & Bar
34 Restaurant & Bar is a family affair.
We would go to the beach to get periwinkles, which my mom would cook at home."
“It’s an art that we’re losing in Portuguese culture.”
Small plates at 34 Restaurant & Bar.Randy Schmidt/Courtesy of 34 Restaurant & Bar
Lagasse got his culinary start in a Portuguese bakery at just 13 years old.
If they’re putting love into those things, you’re likely going to have a great experience.
Whats a favorite restaurant for a night off?Yakuza House.
The interior of 34 Restaurant & Bar in the Warehouse District of New Orleans.JAMES COLLIER/Paprika Studios/Courtesy of 34 Restaurant & Bar
How do you spend time on a plane?I read or I play games (Golf Solitaire).
What’s one thing you might’t travel without?A Saint Christopher charm.
(Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.)
The Basque Cheesecake and famous Pastéis De Nata for dessert.Randy Schmidt/Courtesy of 34 Restaurant & Bar
Where do you like to go to relax?I like the ocean.
It’s meant everything."
Emeril Lagasse’s perfect meal at 34?
“I love the duck rice and the paella andespetada(skewers),” he said.
As for E.J., he recommends starting withpao com tomateand ending with the pineapple fosterfollowed by an espresso.
Not surprisingly, Emeril Lagasse’s favorite food city is New Orleans.
The food scene has changed dramatically."
Lagasse told T+L the No.
His other New Orleans hack?
Opt for the Cafe du Monde in City Park for none of the lines and all of the vibes.
Second only to New Orleans, his other favorite food destination isLisbon.
“It’s like New Orleans,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter where you gohigh-end, low-end, mediumyou’re going to have good food.”
His favorite restaurants in Lisbon includeTabisco Lisboa,Taberna da Rua das Flores, andAlma.
In Louisiana, youre going to see boudin at the gas station.
In Mississippi, you may find boiled peanuts.
There are food clues all over, not just in formal restaurants."
