Emeril Lagasse and Son Unveil New Restaurant: A Culinary Tribute to Portugal

Sometimes even the world’s best-known chefs need to return to their roots, and that includes Emeril Lagasse. His latest endeavor, 34 Restaurant & Bar, opened in New Orleans’ Warehouse District last month near his award-winning flagship Emeril’s, a restaurant renowned for its Creole cooking. This new concept is a tribute to his late mother, Hilda Lagasse, and her Portuguese heritage, which is reflected in the menu that swaps out traditional andouille sausage for chouriço.

Emeril’s son, E.J. Lagasse, plays a crucial role in the restaurant’s operations, helping develop the menu and overseeing the kitchen. The name of the restaurant is a nod to both father and son, Emeril John Lagasse III and IV, highlighting their family legacy.

The menu draws inspiration from the dining culture of Lisbon and Porto, featuring Portuguese favorites like jamón croquetes, caldo verde with smoky chouriço, and pastéis de bacalhau. The Lagasses and their team traveled to Portugal for recipe ideas, leading to unique offerings such as cataplana, a fish stew with hay-smoked halibut, and porco Alentejana, a braised pork dish with clams.

For sharing, the restaurant offers various arroz dishes, including duck rice and Spanish paella. One of the highlights is the “jamón bar,” where guests can watch the kitchen in action, giving a chef’s table experience. The bar features Iberian cheeses, cured meats, and a variety of snacks, including pan com tomate.

The wine list, curated by sommelier Nicole Maddox, is an educational piece designed to familiarize guests with Portuguese wines and their backgrounds. The list highlights lesser-known regions and producers, offering insights into their unique methods. Notably, Maddox praises wines from areas such as Colares, known for its rare intensity, and winemakers like Susana Esteban, whose wines are aged in amphora and oak.

Diners can also find familiar names like Vinho Verde’s Soalheiro and Alentejo’s Herdade de Esporão, with the majority of wines under $150. Maddox anticipates expanding the list as more Portuguese wines emerge, as well as hosting winemaker dinners throughout the year.

In tandem with this opening, another notable restaurant, Twin Tails, debuted in New York City, focusing on Southeast Asian cuisine. This new restaurant from Quality Branded showcases dishes influenced by Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, emphasizing authenticity in preparation techniques. Wine director Meng Chiang has curated a list primarily featuring French wines, with a strong emphasis on Loire Valley selections that pair well with the diverse menu.

Both establishments reflect a growing trend in culinary exploration and wine appreciation, showcasing vibrant flavors and unique dining experiences that honor cultural influences and heritage.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!