In Tribute to Emeril Lagasse

He made a name for himself with the Batman-worthy sound-effect "BAM!" but there was no slamming on counters at Miami's Loews Hotel tonight, just thunderous applause, for one of the food world's most beloved and hardest-working chefs. Emeril Lagasse was honored at a tribute dinner presided over by a posse of New York chefs, including Mario Batali, Eric Ripert, Michael Laskonis and Bobby Flay. Another famed New Yorker, Martha Stewart did the emcee honors. The night ended with an impromptu jam session that featured Lagasse on bongos and Miami chef Norman Van Aiken on the harmonica. Sadly, Martha did not grab for the nearest electric guitar. Or a tambourine, for that matter.

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All in Good Taste

Lever House, the New York restaurant treasure that looks as though it was lifted from an episode of Mad Men, was positively buzzing tonight, as delectable food and wines were passed—along with a healthy dose of animated conversation—during Share Our Strength's annual New York dinner. Host chef Bradford Thompson was joined in the kitchen by Anita Lo, Terrance Brennan, Jacques Torres, Marc Murphy, Alain Allegretti and Michael Laskonis, all of whom donated their time preparing a sumptuous series of courses (paired with wines donated by Empire Merchants) to titillate the palates of patrons who had paid $1,000 or more per ticket. Patron proceeds, combined with funds raised during silent and live auctions, will be used to further the charity's goal of eradicating childhood hunger in America by 2015. Dubbed "A Tasteful Pursuit," the evening was the kick-off for a series of similar nights that will be held around the country throughout the year, in cities including Palm Beach, Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago. Quoting Mother Teresa, Share Our Strength director Billy Shore expressed why he believes that goal to be attainable: "If you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt—only more love."

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