Emeril kicks things up at the CIA

In his first-ever visit to at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) on March 5, celebrity chef, restaurateur and author Emeril Lagasse addressed graduates and hosted a cooking demonstration for students.

Emeril Lagasse congratulates a new graduate of The CIA, with CIA president Tim Ryan*

"I'm so honored to be standing here before such an esteemed group of talented young chefs," Lagasse told the 67 associate degree recipients in attendance. "The true spirit of hospitality was in each of you long before your first lab or lecture at the CIA. [Now] you have the foundation of knowledge and the tools to lead our industry."


And more than 800 CIA students crowded into the Student Recreation Center later that day for Lagasse's cooking demonstration and question-and-answer session, during which he made Brazilian fish stew and answered students' career-related questions.

*Photos courtesy of The CIA/Keith Ferris