Kicking Universal’s cuisine scene up a notch.It’s plausible that Emeril Lagasse’s original Orlando outpost could fall into the shadow of his swankier follow-up restaurant, Tchoup Chop, down the road. But Emeril’s still draws crowds of mostly loyal locals for the celebrity chef’s creative New Orleans cuisine, dished up in the heart of the Universal’s CityWalk.The Oyster Stew, a shallot-milk broth ‘kicked up’ with Andouille mashed potatoes, black pepper croutons and garlic aioli, is a must, and a perfect lighter option for lunch. For dinner, try the roasted rack of lamb with a Creole mustard crust or the pecan-coated Texas redfish. Gourmet pizzas and innovative soups, like the chilled puree of avocado with a crabmeat relish, are good options for the light eaters at your table. Don’t miss the chocolate mint mousse cake and the selection of homemade sorbets and ice creams for dessert. A sparkling, centerpiece show kitchen, tables covered with crisp linens and colorful, contemporary artwork on the walls add up to a hip and classy atmosphere to showcase Emeril’s masterpieces.Locals tip: The restaurant will validate your parking ticket if you park at the Hard Rock CafeFrom: AOL CityGuide Orlando

Filed Under: Emeril's Orlando