Tournament of Roses will “kick it up a notch” in 2008 with a Grand Marshal known for good food, good times and good funPASADENA, CA. (June 8, 2007) – The Tournament of Roses revealed today that Chef Emeril Lagasse will be the Grand Marshal for the 2008 Tournament of Roses. Themed Passport to the World’s Celebrations, the 2008 Rose Parade will pay tribute to festivities from around the globe.As Grand Marshal, Emeril Lagasse will ride in the 119th Rose Parade in front of a worldwide television audience, and toss the coin before the 94th Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2008.“Emeril Lagasse is the very best ambassador for our theme, Passport to the World’s Celebrations. Food is an integral part of celebrations and traditions around the world and Emeril is a master at bringing us all a taste of the fun and excitement through his culinary skill and creativity.” said CL Keedy, president of the Tournament of Roses. “I can’t think of an individual who better personifies the spirit of our theme and can hardly wait to see the energy he brings to Colorado Boulevard as he leads us in our favorite New Year’s Day celebration.”“It is truly an honor to be a part of one of our country’s most beloved New Year’s Day traditions,” said Grand Marshal Emeril Lagasse. “In my hometown of New Orleans, we are all about celebrating traditions with family and friends. I look forward to beginning 2008 with the Rose Parade, and paying tribute to the festivities and traditions from around the globe.”Chef Emeril Lagasse is a chef, best-selling author and television personality. He operates nine restaurants including three in New Orleans, two in Las Vegas, two in Orlando, one in Atlanta and one in Miami. Chef Emeril Lagasse is a national TV personality. Lagasse joined the Food Network in 1993 and celebrated his 1500th show with the network in 2005. He is the host of both “The Essence of Emeril” and “Emeril Live,” which reaches more than 78 million homes daily. He has been nominated for numerous Emmy Awards, and was voted by Time magazine for having one of the “Top 10 TV Shows” during 1996.Chef Emeril’s first restaurant, Emeril’s, opened in 1990 in the chic Warehouse District near downtown New Orleans. Two years later, he opened NOLA Restaurant in the French Quarter, and in 1995, Emeril brought his “New New Orleans” cooking to Las Vegas when he opened Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, located in the MGM Grand Hotel. Between 1998 and 2003, he opened Emeril’s Delmonico in New Orleans’ historic Garden District, Emeril’s Orlando at Universal Studios City Walk, Delmonico Steakhouse in the Venetian Resort/Hotel/Casino, Emeril’s Tchoup Chop at Universal Orlando’s Royal Pacific Resort, Emeril’s Atlanta at One Alliance Center and Emeril’s Miami Beach at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. This summer, Emeril’s Gulf Coast Fish House will open at the Island View Casino Resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.The recognition and awards he has garnered have made him known to food-loving Americans everywhere. His restaurants consistently win critical praise and top ratings. John Mariani of Esquire magazine dubbed Emeril’s Restaurant “Restaurant of the Year” in 1990. In 1991, he received the coveted Wine Spectator “Grand Award.” In 1999, People magazine named Emeril one of the “25 Most Intriguing People of the Year” and in 1998 he was chosen as “Chef of the Year” by GQ magazine. In 2004, Restaurants & Institutions magazine named him “Executive of the Year.”Lagasse is also a best-selling author. In 1993, he published the best-selling cookbook “Emeril’s New New Orleans Cooking” which introduced his creative approach to Creole cuisine. Eleven other books have followed and as of 2005, 4.2 million copies of Lagasse’s books have been sold.In September 2002, Emeril established the Emeril Lagasse Foundation to support and encourage programs creating developmental and educational opportunities for children. Lagasse’s corporate office, Emeril’s Homebase, based in New Orleans, houses Lagasse’s restaurant operations, as well as cookbook and recipe development and testing, product shipping, the emerils.com Web site, and a store front for Lagasse’s signature products.The 119th Rose Parade, themed Passport to the World’s Celebrations, will take place on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands from throughout the nation. Following the Rose Parade, at 2:00 p.m. (PST), the 94th Rose Bowl Game will feature an exciting match up between two championship teams, showcasing the best of collegiate football.For additional information, please call (626) 449-ROSE, the 24-hour hotline, or visit www.tournamentofroses.com.

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