Emeril and The Saints

 

It’s Super Bowl Sunday.  I’m sandwiched between Husband and our soon-to-be ten year old son watching the pre-game commentary.  We are a united house and have our fleur-de-lis, #9 jersey, and NOLA mojo all goin’ on.

But really, you didn’t stop by The Cafe to talk about football, did you? In between the anticipated commercials I’ll fill you in on dinner with the Saints-loving, patron chef de New Orleans, Emeril Lagasse.

When the invitation came for the intimate dinner, I thought the night would never arrive.  Trust me, it was only momentarily embarrassing when Husband & I were the first to arrive at our friends home for the dinner.  As soon as I saw Emeril cooking in the kitchen I knew we were in for a treat.

I only took a few photos so you’ll just have to trust me when I tell you the food was amazing.  Better than the food was the opportunity to just hang in the kitchen with Emeril.

I can’t believe I just said that!

Emeril was delightful.  He is an amazing storyteller and he regaled us with history and lore with each course he served.  Despite his fame and accolades, he’s very approachable and talked about family, fishing, and of course his beloved New Orleans and Saints!  The role Emeril has played in the rebuilding of New Orleans is truly remarkable and his Foundation is making a significant impact educating inner city children with culinary, gardening, and life skills.

But, back to the food…

The table was simply elegant.  Any hostess knows seating 14 people is well, odd.  But not so this evening.

And the flowers….

Hanging in the kitchen while Emeril plated up Oyster Bisque….

Husband’s menu…

Need a close up?

What was my favorite thing on the menu? Hands down the Oyster Bisque and the Confit Pork Cheek.  To my knowledge I’ve never had pork cheek and it was exceptional.  I told Emeril this was my favorite and he said he was glad to hear it as it was the only item on the menu that he and his team went back and forth on.  To which I responded  ‘always trust your instincts’.  Seriously?!?! I told Emeril Lagasse to trust his culinary instincts.  I politely hid out for rest of the evening in the powder room…

And just when we thought we couldn’t manage another bite the biggest surprise of the night arrived on our plates.  Emeril’s Signature Banana Cream Pie.  I have to be honest, I would not have ordered this off the menu given options that included chocolate.  And I’m so grateful I didn’t have a choice on this special evening.  Maybe because it was so unexpected or maybe just because it was so over-the-top divine, but it is now my personal quest to recreate Emeril’s Banana Cream Pie.  Think I can do it? It’s going to have to wait for an uber-occasion as it purportedly has 1575 calories per piece! Maybe for Husband’s birthday?

Speaking of Husband, here he is talking about fishing with Emeril and his Culinary Director, Chris Wilson…

And Husband & I with Emeril…

I never heard him say ‘BAM’, but he did leave us with his trademark signature…

And joyous memories for a lifetime.

Now, back to the Super Bowl…