Emeril named Humanitarian of Year

Emeril Lagasse (of e2 here, and a multitude of restaurants elsewhere) was named the James Beard Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year today. The organization notes his "culinary contributions, contagious enthusiasm, and philanthropic achievements," and "his passionate advocacy for youth." The Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports nonprofits and educational initiatives "that create new opportunities for children" and have varied among communities, creating such things as an outdoor classroom, gardens, a fresh foods cafeteria and a culinary learning center, in New Orleans, Las Vegas and the Gulf Coast.

Lagasse, in addition to his 13 restaurants, is a celebrity chef on TV (from the Food Network to Good Morning America), has several product lines and has written more than a dozen cookbooks.