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Emeril Lagasse - 2005
Today, he’s one of the few first-name-only celebrity chefs, with nine restaurants, TV shows, prepared foods, more than 3.5 million copies of his books in print and other ventures. But Lagasse, 45, started in a Massachusetts Portuguese bakery, then went to culinary school and on to France. His career-making stint as chef at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans led to the opening of Emeril’s in 1990. Because he loves wine, his restaurants and TV shows have all had a wine element. From humble beginnings—the original Emeril’s had a 75-selection list—have come great things: Today both the flagship and Delmonico Steakhouse, in Las Vegas, hold Wine Spectator Grand Awards. Photographed in 2004.
