Emeril's Delmonico: Classic Creole in New Orleans

Emeril Lagasse may be known more for his television appearances than for his actual cooking these days, but his Delmonico restaurant in New Orleans remains a bastion of fine cuisine-and it's a Luxist nominee in the most romantic restaurant category.

Growing up in Fall River, Mass., Emeril learned the cooking trade as a youngster, working in a Portuguese bakery as a teenager. He continued on to culinary school at Johnson and Wales University, traveling next to France to hone his skills. After his European stint, Emeril returned to the United States to work in restaurants across the Northeast.
Emeril opened Delmonico in 1998, choosing New Orleans' historic garden district for his restaurant. The restaurant quickly gained fame for its delicious offerings, most notably the crispy pork cheek. Over the past summer, chef Spencer Minch---who holds down the fort when Emeril isn't around-cooked up a different menu focusing on a different country's cuisine every month.

This September, the nation of choice is Germany. Dishes on the three-course, $45 menu include beer braised bratwurst with house-made sauerkraut, mustard and a soft pretzel; white wine poached trout with brown butter potatoes, asparagus and German green sauce; and roast duck breast with apple braised cabbage, celery root, and juniper glaze.
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