The first time I met Emeril Lagasse I must admit I was star struck. He was introducing his new line of cookware as a TSV a few years back and I was asked to attend to his needs thru the day.  I can think of more horrible job, let me tell ya!

My first impression of him was I could not believe how quiet and soft spoken he can be off the air ~ rather shy. Not at all the boisterous BAM BAM BAM!!! man I expected.  Humble. Sincere. Generous. These were the days when he had his own sitcom on TV in addition to his food show.  His star was rising quickly and I was basically in awe of him all day. We were told NO PICTURES with him and do not ask for autographs. He did well with his line, but did not return to QVC.

Little did I know, years later, I was to meet him again and under very different circumstances.

He happens to be very good friends with my Chef Rick, so when Rick asked me to attend a little get together with him and a few of his buddies last fall, I was underthrilled and over ecstatic. I walked into the hotel bar to find Emeril and Bobby Flay waiting for us. Holy food network stars! I do believe I had to catch my breath more than once and remind myself, thoughtfully, that I was to act like a regular person and not a crazed fan.

These two guys are so amazingly down to earth. Instantly, I felt as if I had been in their circle forever. We toasted, chatted about Emeril’s family and the effects of the devastation of hurricane Katrina on his home and family as well as everyone in New Orleans. His home and businesses felt considerable damage. He watched the storm roll in, winds before water and now he fights to help others down there who are being told by the insurance companies that the WATER hit first and they would not be covered. He told of how his restaurant, Delmonico, was trashed - how the meat spoiled as it aged on the second floor and how it leaked into the downstairs interiors. How the downstairs was basically intact save for water and decaying meat and how the only other damage was from looters who broke in, destroyed all of his glass liquor cases, had a few drinks and left.

Today, Emeril champions for the people down there, most especially the children who were misplaced. His Emeril Lagasse Foundation raises millions of dollars to help take care of those kids. He hosts a huge fund raiser called Carnival du Vin in late fall in New Orleans.  I had the honor of being a guest last year. Oh my word - how elegant, organized and amazing - the decor, the food, the wine - the auctions. People were bidding hundreds of thousands of dollars on vacations, artwork, jewelry. It was hob nobbing at its best. I loved that the very wealthy give back that way. Yes, they get great stuff, but pay hefty for it. I danced most of the night to the songs of Michael MacDonald from the Doobies (love him) next to Brooke Johnson, president of the Food Network. ACK!!! I was washing my hands next to her in the bathroom. Anyone who knows me KNOWS how much I want my own show on the network. I maintained my dignity and DID NOT accost her in the ladies room.

After that event, we all went back to Emeril’s restaurant where we sat with the likes of Mario Batali, Lydia Bastianich, Wolfgang Puck and Em’s gorgeous and most gracious wife, Alden. Having a dream to have my own show since day one of the Food Network left me breathless and yet, all dreams aside, I became just a friend to enjoy cookies and drinks.

We’re back in New Orleans in 3 months. I’ll get to buy a fancy dress and hob nob with lifestyles of some of America’s most famous chefs. And I can’ t wait.