Emeril John Lagasse is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and cookbook author. A regional James Beard Award winner, he is perhaps most notable for his Food Network shows Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril, as well as catchphrases such as, "Kick it up a notch!" and "BAM!" Lagasse's portfolio of media, products, and restaurants generates an estimated US$150 million annually in revenue.