MIAMI – (Jan. 7, 2009) – Renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse will preside on Wednesday, February 4, over celebrations for the fifth anniversary of Emeril’s Miami Beach, the South Beach outpost of his beloved New Orleans flagship restaurant. Together with Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation, Lagasse and guests will enjoy an evening full of spectacular entertainment and, of course, delectable cuisine.

The invitation-only reception will begin at 7 p.m. at Emeril’s Miami Beach, located at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel (1601 Collins Ave), with all the proceeds directly benefiting Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Foundation’s primary mission is to create awareness and generate funds for Miami Children’s Hospital, South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children.“It is a joy to be a part of the fifth anniversary celebration of Emeril’s Miami Beach,” said Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation President Lucy Morillo. “We deeply appreciate the heartfelt support shown by Emeril and his team, and are honored to have such a celebrated figure as part of our Miami Children’s Hospital family.”

In addition to delicious food that reflects the epitome of the Emeril’s Miami Beach menu, guests will enjoy a special performance by New Orleans jazz vocalist and trumpeter Jeremy Davenport. Davenport, a featured musical guest on “Emeril Live,” has recorded with Harry Connick Jr. and is presently working on his third studio album. Seven-year-old piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick also will perform. Bortnick is an avid supporter of Miami Children’s Hospital and the Foundation, crediting the hospital with saving his little brother Nathan’s life when he was just a newborn.

“I’m thrilled to reunite with my dear friends and the amazing people of this community for such a worthy cause,” said Chef Lagasse. “I look forward to sharing some great food and toasting five wonderful years, in addition to all the good work Miami Children’s Hospital and its Foundation have provided to the children and families of Miami.”

The host committee for the fifth anniversary of Emeril’s Miami Beach is chaired by Michael Aller, Hannah & Gene Bortnick, Romero Britto, Patricia & Thomas Cornish, Vivian & JC Mas, Shawn Hauver, Alden & Emeril Lagasse, Eric Linquest, Lucy Morillo, Bibiana and Mario Murgado, Norma & Luis Quintero, Leticia Pino, Jacquelynn D. Powers, Sandi & Jerry Powers, Monica & Rick Schatz, Lee Schrager, Jerry South, Lyle Stern, Jonathan Tisch, Nicole & Edgar Lozano and Jocelyn & Eric Woolworth.

Partners for this celebratory event include Ocean Drive Magazine, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Southern Wine & Spirits of South Florida, Towne Park, Children’s Craniofacial Association and 3 Dimension Graphics Inc.Emeril’s Miami Beach is the third outpost of Emeril Lagasse’s flagship restaurant. Guests can experience the irresistible style of cuisine known as “new” New Orleans, along with signature tastes created exclusively for South Beach. The high-energy establishment, nestled in the historic St. Moritz Hotel building at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, blends Louisiana’s Creole cooking with the Latin-tinged rhythms of South Florida and the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.

For additional information on Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation, please visit www.mchf.org.

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