Honoring his family’s legacy while pushing boundaries to innovate New Orleans cuisine for the next generation is the 21-year-old patron chef of Emeril’s in New Orleans and son of renowned chef Emeril Lagasse, E.J. Lagasse who joins Bruce on this season four finale.

E.J. takes us on a journey through his culinary evolution, starting with his early—very early—experiences as a young teenager working in legendary kitchens like Daniel Boulud’s and Eric Ripert’s.

E.J. also shares stories from his culinary travels, reflecting on how his time in kitchens around the world—from New York to Stockholm—has shaped his approach to running one of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants. He has picked up many valuable lessons and habits along the way, including one that Bruce believes is a practice all of us should follow in our travels.

E.J. goes on to share his picks for his favorite meals in New Orleans and beyond. Throughout the conversation, his passion for the culinary arts is palpable. He offers behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to lead a celebrated restaurant, the importance of mentorship, and how New Orleans’ unique food culture continues to influence his creations. Whether you’re a food lover or fascinated by the intersection of legacy and innovation, you’ll enjoy this episode as a deep dive into the future of fine dining.

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A heartfelt thank you to you, our listener, and to all the wonderful guests who joined us this season on the second iteration of the Master Chef Series. Your support has been incredible, and we can’t wait to bring you more exciting stories of travel, adventure, and culinary exploration in upcoming episodes of Travel That Matters. Make sure you're Following and stay tuned!

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To learn more about E.J. Lagasse and Emeril’s, visit https://emerilsrestaurant.com.

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This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious.

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia