You know, for 300 years it's been kind of the same. There are restaurants in New Orleans that the menu hasn't changed in 125 years, so how is one going to change or evolve the food?

I think you have to be careful with spices. Kids' palates can be very delicate, and they might not like things overspiced. In my cookbooks for kids, I do a milder version of my signature spice blend, Emeril's Essence, called Baby Bam, which has no cayenne pepper.

Life just doesn't hand you things. You have to get out there and make things happen. that's the exciting part.

The most interesting thing I've ever heard about myrself that isn't true is that I'm not a nice guy.

Spain has some of the richest culinary traditions and truly appreciates food that is simply prepared with top-notch ingredients.

Food is very representative of a city's culture. In order to really get to know a place and the people, you've got to eat the food.

My family... always had the value of the family table and these cultural influences of growing up.