Packing for NY

Little and one of our Young Lady friends are off to NY today to appear on the show described below. Considering that his dream is to be a famous chef someday, getting to meet and be a guest on the show of Emeril Lagasse is beyond thrilling for him.

As for me, I'm looking forward to a day and a night in NY with a very dear friend and our two kids. And oh, yeah - meeting Emeril.

From the Breaking News column on The Futon Critic:

"Five Special Diners Join Emeril At The Chef's Table on Each Installment of the on New Daily Cooking Show Scheduled to Launch September 26th

"New York, June 1, 2011 - Hallmark Channel has the hottest reservation on television: a seat at "Emeril's Table," beginning September 26th as part of the network's daytime line-up. A food icon who helped redefine what a cooking show could be, Chef Emeril Lagasse gives the genre yet another reinvigoration with his new informative, entertaining daily half-hour cooking series, produced in association with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Emeril invites viewers to join a group of five special diners at the chef's table for an intimate shared experience that includes a cooking lesson and recipes geared toward their interests. Whether they are newlyweds, moms-to-be, fire fighters or vegetarians, the guests and viewers at home will benefit from breaking bread with the renowned chef each day. As Emeril inspires and engages them - even answering some of their most burning culinary questions and food dilemmas - he'll also share fresh, fun ideas, recipes, tips and techniques. After all, Emeril knows that food is love and both are meant to be shared!

"This show is really my favorite kind of cooking lesson, it allows me to connect with five special guests at my table as well as the viewers at home," says Emeril. "I love being able to interact with people in an intimate setting and cook with them one-on-one. For me it's about creating memorable and entertaining experiences and celebrating great food with great friends."

"Chef Emeril Lagasse received his first culinary experience from his mother, Hilda, when he was a boy growing up in the small town of Fall River, Massachusetts. Upon high school graduation, Lagasse was offered a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music, but decided to pursue a career as a professional chef. He earned a degree from the respected culinary fortress, Johnson and Wales University, and later received an honorary Doctorate degree from the university. Lagasse is now the chef-proprietor of 12 restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Gulfport and Bethlehem. The recognition and awards he has garnered have made him known to food-loving Americans everywhere. In 2005, he received the "Distinguished Service Award" from Wine Spectator for his significant and long-lasting contributions to the wine industry. In 2006, he was inducted into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame by Nation's Restaurant News. In 2007, he was named "Restaurateur of the Year" by New Orleans CityBusiness and in 2009, he received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from Food Network's South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

"As a national TV personality, Emeril has hosted over 2000 shows on the Food Network, and is the food correspondent for ABC's "Good Morning America." In addition to his television presence, Emeril has a new, live, call-in radio program, Cooking with Emeril, which airs twice weekly exclusively on Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS XM. He also has a column in Everyday Food magazine where the chef and his six-year-old son, E.J., provide delicious family-friendly recipes. Emeril is the author of 15 bestselling cookbooks including Emeril's New New Orleans Cooking which introduced his creative take on Creole cuisine. His newest release, Sizzling Skillets and other One-Pot Wonders, hits shelves September 27th."