Emeril's Restaurants

[KellyD]

My DH is a HUGE Emeril fan, and while we were in Las Vegas this weekend for my BIL's wedding (which could be the subject of a whole other post...), we had dinner at Delmonico's Steakhouse in the Venetian Hotel. It was quite honestly on par with some of the best meals I've ever eaten - not to mention the fact that it is technically a "steakhouse". Don't get me wrong, I actually love steak, but the limited menus at places like Morton's and Ruth's Chris have me bored after eating there a couple of times. NOT at Delmonico's!! The menu is fabulous and there is a whole chef's specialty menu that changes daily.

My real curiousity lies with the fact that we have good friends who are from New Orleans, but they never have anything good to say about Emeril's restaurants. I don't know if it's a cultural thing, and he's not really from Louisiana, so they haven't embraced him, or what. Does anyone else have any impressions of his restaurants that you'd care to share? Based on that experience, I'd drive to New Orleans (from Houston!) for dinner at another one of his establishments!

[emptyspool]

WOW! I am surprised someone from New Orleans isn't raving about Emeril's!!! I prefer Emeril's restaurants far and above the Brennan group. Nola, which is in the French Quarter, is probably my favorite. I love the pork gumbo - best gumbo I ever had and the fried oyster salad can't be beat. Service at all his locations is fabulous. I am humgry right now just thinking about it. The dishes are always creative, unusual, generous and yummy.

[Jessica]

I just returned from a trip to New Orleans and ate one of the best meals of my life at Nola's. Everything was perfect, down to the exquisitely cooked oysters tucked under my pan-roasted bass. Service was extraordinary and the desserts were a taste of heaven. If you find yourself in the Quarter, make a reservation and be prepared to moan at the first bite.

[chefandi]

I have been to the Emerils in Orlando and it was fabulous! The Banana Cream Pie is to die for! I thought that the atmosphere and the service were top-notch.

[lorilei]

Emeril gets a lot of flack for being "less than authentic"... and that's probably where many of the bad reviews come from.

It's not so much that his food doesn't /taste/ good -- because it does. It's probably more that the locals object to his somewhat "stretched" creole claims http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Lest you think this is an Emeril bash, I find him extremely amusing. And his chocolate bread pudding recipe is to-die-for http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[gabbyh]

Oh no lorilei...now you KNOW you're going to have to post the chocolate bread pudding recipe !!! Pleeze...

[KellyD]

Thanks for all of your comments everybody. You've confirmed that I'm not crazy - and it wasn't a fluke that we had such a good meal. You are SOOOO right about the service - it is definitely the best I have experienced lately. You essentially have 3 staff assigned to your table. In fact, we were so undecided about ordering (we wanted to try everything!) that our waiter just said, "Trust me? Then leave it up to me" And we did, and everything we put in our mouths we moaned over!

Emptyspool mentioned the Brennan group restaurants and I know that's who our friends prefer. They think Commander's Palace is the ultimate and Nola is just an imposter. But you've all convinced me, and I'm going to make some reservations and suprise my DH with a weekend in NO!

[lorilei]

gabbyh -- here you go. Definitely not everyday fare, but it's a sinful treat http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif (Thanks to Gail who tipped me off to this one a few months back)

CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING WITH SPICED CREAM

Recipe copyright 1997, Emeril Lagasse from "Emeril's Creole Christmas"

1 teaspoon unsalted butter
4 large eggs
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur
2 cups half-and-half
8 slices day-old white bread, crusts removed and cut into
1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Spiced Cream, recipe follows

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 6-cup loaf pan (9 1/4 by 5 1/4 by 2 3/4) with the butter. Whisk the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, melted chocolate, and Grand Marnier together in a large mixing bowl until very smooth. Add the half-and-half and mix well. Add the bread and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour half the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with the unmelted chocolate chips. Pour the remaining bread mixture over the chocolate chips. Bake until the pudding is set in the center, about 55 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. To serve, cut the pudding into 1-inch thick slices. Top with the spiced cream.

Spiced Cream:
1 quart heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Beat the cream with an electric mixer on high speed in a large mixing bowl for about 2 minutes. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and beat again until the mixture thickens and forms stiff peaks, another 1 to 2 minutes.

Yield: 4 cups cream

Total Yield: 8 to 10 servings

[This message has been edited by lorilei (edited 03-30-2001).]

[Ralph]

Glad to see such good comments. We, too, love watching him, but have always wondered about the restaurants.

I agree with Jewel about learning more from Alton Brown, but I can't count the number of recipes I've printed out from Emeril.

I think one of the main reasons he gets a lot of flack is that he is technically and "executive chef" meaning he's rarely there - the day to day operation of his restaurants is handled by the on-site chef & others. Much like Wolfgang Puck & Spago.

[barbse]

Just to let you know, Emeril has 2 restaurants in Las Vegas - there's Emerils at the MGM as well as Delmonico's at the Venetian. We celebrated my daughter's 18th birthday at the one in the MGM - the food was great and both my daughters agreed they have the cutest waiters & busboys in town!

[Tiger]

I like Emerel and cajun food too. But I do have to say my friend just went to the Orlando one and was very disappointed. She said the meals were about $30 and didn't include any sides. She said she wasn't impressed and left hungry.

[monica67]

My boyfriend and I were in New Orleans last April, and went to Emeril's restaurant for lunch. We had one of the best meals of our lives, and like others have said, the service was outstanding. I must say, about a month before we went, we were warned to make reservations as soon as possible, and as it was, we were only able to get lunch reservations. Dinners that weekend were full. It may have had something to do with the fact that there were two conventions that weekend, but I would make reservations as soon as possible. Enjoy!

monica

[Lisa D]

I vote thumbs up!
I was in New Orleans earlier this year and had THE best meal of my life at Delmonico's. Mainly because of the incredible food but also because of the incredible service. I will be in Las Vegas this summer and am definitely going to the Delmonico's there for comparison!

[Jewel]

My husband and I are both big Emeril fans also. Sometimes I wish he'd learn a new phrase or two, but nonetheless, he seems to have made cooking 'cool' for quite a chunk of the population that thought it was something only women did after work. I don't learn as much from him cooking-wise as I do Alton Brown of Good Eats, but I still watch and listen to Emeril Live nearly every weekday evening when I'm cooking dinner (5pm showtime out here!).

When we were on our honeymoon in Orlando last year we stopped by Emeril's Restaurant there, and were very impressed with the service, atmosphere, and the aromas that were assaulting us as soon as we walked in the door. I admit, we had lunch not dinner, but we loved it!

I get so sick of people getting bashed because they don't do things the completely 'traditional' way. So he kicks traditional Creole up a notch! That's what he's there for! As long as it tastes good and keeps people coming back, that's all that matters. I also have to say that looking at simply the MAN and not the cook, I adore Emeril. He's completely different when you take that apron off of him and take the camera out of his face. He's very shy, very gentle, and is simply crazy about children. He actually blushes! Anyone see him on Millionaire? I've also seen him on another talk show, and when you take him out of his element and put him down in the real world, he's a man any woman would be happy to take home to Mom. Except me! My mom would disown me if I got rid of her favorite son-in-law! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Jewel (edited 03-30-2001).]

[gabbyh]

Jewel,
I heartily agree! My husband and I love him also. Emeril LIVE is one of the very few shows we watch on TV. Thanks to everyone for the great restaurant reviews...I have a nursing conference in Vegas in June and we'll be sure to go to Delmonico's! Next year...New Orleans ;-}
We keep trying to get tickets to his show through the ticket lottery...but haven't had any luck yet.

[donleyk]

Just a note on Emeril for those of you that don't watch day time TV. I don't, I just happen to be a the hair salon and Rosie O'Donnell was on. She had this cute 12 year old boy on the show. He was cooking a shrimp dish, (I believe) anyway, he was finishing up and it was time to put the sauce on. He made the comment that he does (a) cheese sauce because, unlike Emeril, this is what he and his family could afford. So Rosie said ... your not done until someone from the audience tastes this. And sure enough, Emeril came out. The look on this kid's face, the astonishment, I swear I will never forget it. Emeril gave him one of his signature chef coats and a set of his pans, whatever else. I had so much repect for Emeril then. I truly believe that he didn't have to do that. It must have meant something to the man. I still get teary-eyed when I think about that young boy and his reaction. I didn't have much use for Rosie up to that point and I was glad to see that she can make a difference in peoples lives.

Thanks for letting me share that! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Jessica]

I just returned from a trip to New Orleans (my first). One of my friends made us a reservation at Nola's and I was skeptical--I was expecting just a bunch of hype.
I was mistaken.
The food was delectable and the service impeccable. I described every detail to my DH and if he and I ever go to New Orleans I will insist on eating there.

[Lchiles]

KellyD, We are heading this weekend for Las Vegas and I made reservations over 1 month ago for Delmonico's. Any suggestions on what not to miss on the menu. There will be 5 of us going of varying tastes. We have been to Nola's in N.O. and Emeril's in Orlando. Can't wait!! Any other dining suggestions while in Las Vegas. Or any other events we shouldn't miss. Thanks, LaurieC

[KellyD]

Oh Laurie - I'm so jealous! First and foremost, save room for dessert!! We'd had wedding cake earlier in the day, and just didn't have room - but they have a cheesecake with an almond biscotti crust that I can't believe I didn't try... As far as what we had, everything was wonderful:

Appetizers - "grilled cheese sandwich" - sounds odd, but very tasty, and Parmesan/truffle potato chips (can also be a side)
Salad - Wilted spinach and fried mozzarella
Entrees - Bone-in Ribeye and flank steak special with blue cheese risotto (YUMMMM)

But honestly, there was nothing on the menu that didn't sound good to me. Like I said, our waiter selected, and he made great choices. I have his card if you want to request him! You can check out the standard menu on emerils.com - or just wait to read it in person and be surprised!

I don't really have any other personal recommendations. We stayed at the Venetian and had breakfast in the Grand Lux Cafe (which is owned by the Cheesecake Factory company). The food was excellent, but if you go there, don't have the buffet breakfast - and don't miss their french toast. We also had dinner had The Palm, but there are so many other new places to try, I wouldn't recommend it. I would check out citysearch.com or Zagat's for some other ideas for fine dining - but it can definitely get really pricey (unlike the old days when there wasn't much else but the buffets!). Have a great time.

[luv2cook]

This was such an informative post! I didn't know Emeril had restaurants in Las Vegas. DH and I are going there in May and I'm going to New Orleans at the end of this month for jazz fest.

Does someone have the number for Delmonico's in Las Vegas?

I agree with the other posts about Emeril. I, too, think he needs some new phrases but he's intersting and I get bored with some of the other chefs on Food TV. i force hubby to watch him at 10:00!

[barbse]

luv2cook - I'm sure all the big hotel/casinos have web sites where you can get restaurant info.
For Delmonicos - (702)414-3737 (Venetian)
For Emeril's - (702) 891-7777 (MGM Grand)
The restaurants at the Mandalay look interesting, I hear they're pricey but good. I've wanted to try "Aureole" there, but haven't yet.
Have fun.

[kwormann]

Denyce,

Try emerils.com ...it has links to all the restaurants, menus, suggestions for clothing, and phone numbers.

Kim

[Gina O]

LaurieC- I was just in Las Vegas about 2 months ago and had 2 fabulous meals. The first, recommended by someone on the BB was at The Border Grill in Mandalay Bay (it is a restaurant by the "Two Hot Tamales" women). The food was great, and save room for dessert, too good to be true. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

The second was at Mon Ami Gabi, a "french steakhouse" at Paris-Las Vegas. Make sure to get a table from which you can see the fountains at Bellagio, and enjoy great steak with a remarkable view.

On my list of not to miss sights are the Vodoo Lounge and the Carnival in the Sky at Rio, a stroll through the shops at Ceasar's Palace (also, the New York Deli at Ceasar's is yummy.... there are tons of other fun things, depending on your tastes... roller coasters, gondola rides, pirate shows, ect.

Have fun, Gina

[Wendy w]

I have not been to New Orleans or Orlando and don't have a trip to Vegas planned in the near future, but I have something really fun to look forward to this weekend.

A couple of co-workers went to Brennan's Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney in Anaheim(apparantly the only restaurant that any of the family has outside of New Orleans)and absolutely loved it! One of them had been to New Orleans and said that it was like being dropped off there. They said that the food, service and music were wonderful.

Sunday is my BF's birthday and I am taking him to their jazz brunch as a surprise. I told him that I had plans for him and that he should trust me as he will be shocked because of the neighborhood, but to trust me. We try to avoid most Disney things because their greed is in gargantuan proportions and vowed not to go to Downtown Disney but this seems worth it.

BF is a BIG Emeril fan and since the Brennan's gave Emeril his break, this is the closest thing he will get to him for now. He spends a good amount of time on the couch watching him, which I don't mind because he learns new techniques and it sure beats tv sports!

[KellyD]

Wendy - the Brennans also have a restaurant here in Houston. Coincidentally called Brennan's! Have fun - that sounds like a great time.

[Wendy w]

Thanks Kelly! I will let you know on Monday! It takes the Brennan's or Emeril to get me to Downtown Disney.

[mariakj]

Donleyk I just wanted to let you know that I also saw that Rosie O'Donnel with Emeril and I thought it was the sweetest thing. The little boy had been telling Rosie how he loved watching Emeril on TV and he was even doing the "BAM" and "Kick it up a Notch" while he was cooking, just like Emeril. The little boy actually credited Emeril with his learning to cook. I was so thrilled when Emeril came out and surprised the boy. That kid looked so amazed and happy. He will never forget that I'm sure. I think the kid actually got to go out to dinner with Emeril that night after the show. I agree with you that it was a really sweet thing that he did and it has actually improved my opinion of him. Just so you don't think that you are the only one that saw it.

[greysangel]

I just posted on the New Orlean thread...but I will say it again...NOLA was the best meal I have had in my life!! We went there twice in the two weeks we were there. The service is impeccable, the food is glorious.

I will even go as far as saying I had the best dessert of my life there...it was a mango key lime cream pie served on lemon glace with ginger ice cream.....YEOW IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!

JeAnne

[Lchiles]

KellyD, Just got back from Vegas... Delmonico's was fabulous, probably the best restaurant I have been to in the last 5 years. Yummy!! Very Expensive, but I think it was worth every penny. I want to go back!! Also tried Olives at Bellagio, overlooks the fountains, was very good, but it was a rushed meal due to trying to make a show. LaurieC

[Beth H]

I also would say that a meal I had at the Delmonicos in Vegas was one of the best in my life. My entire family was out there for my 30th birthday -- so we had a large party -- and the food and service were both impeccable. I had been worried that it might be "overrated" or overpriced, but it was neither. Even though it was very expensive, it was worth it (and my dad was paying). http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif If you're in Vegas and want a special meal, it would be hard to beat that place. Apparently Emeril is there every once in a while, wandering around.