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

Make gift giving easy for any Emeril fan, culinary artist or budding gourmet, or just for yourself. Set comes in a customized re-usable Emeril Gift Box, and topped off with a custom Emeril label.
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Emeril’s Potluck
Comfort Food with a Kicked-Up Attitude
by Emeril Lagasse

America’s favorite chef Emeril Lagasse is ready to party.

Parties and celebrations mean food. Lots of food: tureens of soup, platters of chicken, bowls of salad, casseroles of baked pasta. From family reunions to holiday buffets, summer barbecues to tailgate parties, and weekend brunches to bridal showers, Emeril’s Potluck offers crowd-pleasing dishes perfect for gatherings with friends and family.

Emeril’s Potluck brings together everything Emeril loves most about cooking and eating. The food is simple, flavorful, and perfect for sharing at any get-together. Each recipe serves a whopping 8 to 10 people, but don’t assume you’re making too much — everyone will be heading back for seconds and thirds of these Emerilized starters, entrees, drinks, sides, and desserts.

Start by toasting the occasion with a glass of Champagne Punch, a Watermelon Daiquiri, or an Orange Emeril. Then let the feast begin! Classic Blue Cheese Dip, Alain’s Sweet and Spicy Asian Wings, or Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms will get your party started right! Main courses range from Olive-Stuffed Leg of Lamb and Creole Mustard and Herb-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin to homey favorites such as Charlotte’s Lasagna Bolognese, Penne à la Vodka Casserole, and Tuna Tetrazzini. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without dessert, so save room for Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, Strawberry Shortcake, and Emeril’s Tiramisu.

The recipes are quick, easy, and portable. Enjoy these dishes at home or take them on the road. Emeril’s Potluck — so foolproof, so easy, so crowd pleasing that luck has nothing to do with it.
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ORLANDO, FL (May 12, 2002; The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Times) : Universal Orlando’s 53-acre Royal Pacific Resort is set to open in June as part of the high-tech, luxury theme park that is aimed at enticing teenagers.
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