World-renowned Chef Serves Up His First Burger Eatery in Historic Bethlehem

Bethlehem, PA (December 1, 2009) – Burgers And More by Emeril, the first-ever burger restaurant by world-renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse, has opened at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. Burgers And More by Emeril – a play on Lagasse’s signature expression, BAM! – joins Emeril’s Chop House as the chef’s second restaurant at the Sands Bethlehem.

“I’ve dreamed of opening a burger restaurant for many years and I’m excited to finally serve up my favorites and some new combinations that you might not expect to see on a bun,” said Emeril Lagasse. “This is a fun place where you can kick back and enjoy a great burger with a shake, a beer or a glass of wine.”

The menu features hand-crafted burgers made from freshly ground beef (prime chuck, short rib-brisket blend, and grass-fed cuts) that are cooked to order, along with sharable starters, fresh salads, and cool desserts.

To begin, house made soups and starters that are perfect for sharing, from Emeril’s distinctive twist on all-American favorites like New England Clam Chowder and Prime Beef Chili, to New Orleans style dishes like Grilled Andouille Sausage with Emeril’s own Worcestershire sauce and Grilled Gulf Shrimp Cocktail with Red Remoulade Sauce.

“BAM Standards” – three of Chef Emeril’s kicked-up burger combinations – include “The Burger,” 8 ounces of prime chuck with a choice of seven cheeses, “The Herbert,” 8 ounces of short rib-brisket blend with chili, cheddar cheese and hot sauce-marinated crispy onions, and “The Creole,” 8 ounces of grass-fed beef with andouille sausage, pepper jack cheese and spicy mustard. There are also natural turkey, Pennsylvania chicken, veggie and seafood selections like the Blue Crab Cake Burger with Creole Tartar Sauce and Grilled Atlantic Salmon with Kicked-up Slaw and Red Remoulade Sauce.
Diners can also “Create a Burger” by choosing their burger, bun, and cheese and then customizing with unique toppings including all things pork (andouille sausage, apple bacon and pancetta), fresh produce and house made sauces. Burgers can be paired with an array of sides – BAM Fries, Hand-cut Onion Rings, Kicked-up Slaw or Andouille Barbecued White Beans. For a sweet finish, enjoy old-fashioned treats like shakes, malts and other ice cream creations such as a Banana Fosters shake, Banana Split and Birch Beer Brown Cow float.

The eatery offers tableside service with Emeril’s signature warm style of hospitality, a cocktail bar and specialty drink menu, bottled beers and regional craft brews on tap, and a wine list with each selection available by the bottle or glass.

The comfortable and lively space, designed by the firm Floss Barber, Inc. of Philadelphia, features a warm palette with accents of wood and glazed brick, contrasted by the modern stainless elements inside the open kitchen. A mosaic art portrait of Chef Emeril designed by acclaimed pop artist Romero Britto and handcrafted in Italy is the centerpiece of the main room. Diners can catch their favorite game on several flat-panel televisions or take in the action of the chefs at work on the grill.

“We are so honored that Chef Lagasse has opened a second restaurant at Sands Bethlehem,” said Sands Bethlehem President Robert DeSalvio. “Emeril’s Chop House is a great success among our guests, and we know that Chef Emeril’s casual burger concept will prove to be a great attraction as well.”

Lagasse opened his first restaurant in the Northeast, Emeril’s Chop House, at the Sands Bethlehem on May 22. His other venues at Las Vegas Sands properties, Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and Table 10 at The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, have received critical acclaim for food and service, including top honors from Wine Spectator magazine. Lagasse’s Stadium – Emeril’s new sports bar, entertainment venue and restaurant – opened at The Palazzo in September.

The Sands Bethlehem has also opened a new branch of the legendary Carnegie Deli, as well as a new lounge, Infusion. The property’s other premier dining options include Emeril’s Chop House, St. James Gate Irish Pub and Carvery, The Market – Gourmet Express and Cobalt Café.

For more information, visit PaSands.com.

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