EMERIL LAGASSE EXPLORES THE SUNSHINE STATE IN NEW SERIES "EMERIL'S FLORIDA"

13-Episode Series Highlights Restaurants, Beaches, Lifestyle and More

NEW YORK - December 7, 2012 - Emeril Lagasse uncovers the authentic cuisine and unbeatable scenery that make the Sunshine State a hotspot for travelers and locals alike in his new series Emeril's Florida premiering Sunday, January 6th at 10:30amET/7:30amPT. Covering the state from Northwest Florida to Orlando and St. Petersburg-Clearwater to Miami and Palm Beach, Emeril not only reveals the delicious local cuisine, but steps into the kitchen and whips up the house specialties as well as some dishes of his own. As a side dish, Emeril will also highlight the beaches, agriculture, festivals and sporting events that make Florida a one-of-a-kind destination. From unrivaled college football tailgates and airboat rides in Kissimee to sandy South Walton beaches and nightlife in South Florida, Emeril leaves no stone unturned as he highlights some of what makes Florida a coveted vacation destination.

"This show is really fun for me because I'm exploring all parts of the state. Each county and city has something unique to offer making each episode a little different," said Chef Emeril Lagasse. "From cattle ranches to beautiful beaches and of course, a ton of great food and restaurants in between, people will have a whole new appreciation for the Sunshine State."

In the premiere episode, Emeril heads to Orlando making his first stop at The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park to whip up a delicious cobia dish with chef and owner James Petrakis. Then, he stops in at his own restaurant, "Emeril's Orlando," for a surprise visit and heads to the kitchen, where he and the Culinary Director, Bernard Carmouche, prepare black grouper with sofrito, rock shrimp and avocado toast. After uncovering some of the freshest seafood in Orlando, Emeril explores the nightlife and entertainment that locals rave about including a stop at Vines Grille & Wine Bar, one of the best establishments for wine in the city. He then escapes the Florida heat at ICEBAR Orlando where the temperature inside is 20 degrees Fahrenheit - the coldest place in Florida to get a cocktail. No trip would be complete without dessert, so Emeril makes his last stop at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort where he and Executive Pastry Chef David Ramirez sample some creative and delicious chocolates to round out a day of delicious food and drink exploration.

Chef Emeril Lagasse is the chef/proprietor of 13 restaurants nationwide, with acclaimed restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando, Bethlehem, Penn., and Charlotte, N.C. He has hosted more than 2,000 shows on Food Network, and is the food correspondent for ABC's Good Morning America. Lagasse also hosted Cooking Channel's Fresh Food Fast and The Originals with Emeril. He is the best-selling author of 17 cookbooks, and his latest cookbook Emeril's Kicked-Up Sandwiches debuted in October 2012. In 2002, he established the Emeril Lagasse Foundation to support children's educational programs that inspire and mentor young people through the culinary arts, nutrition, healthy eating, and important life skills. To date, the Foundation has given over $5 million to children's causes in New Orleans, Las Vegas and on the Gulf Coast. Lagasse joined the Martha Stewart family of brands in 2008; Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE: MSO) acquired the assets related to Emeril's media and merchandising business, including television programming, cookbooks, the website emerils.com, and his licensed kitchen and food products.

Emeril's Florida is produced by MAT Media, LLC.

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