By Chuck Martin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Emeril Lagasse

The man who brought "bam!" to the kitchen is bringing his entourage and cookbooks to Cincinnati. TV superstar chef Emeril Lagasse will sign copies of his latest cookbook, From Emeril's Kitchens (Morrow; $27.50), beginning 4 p.m. Tuesday at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Rookwood Pavilion in Norwood. (Information: 396-8960.)

When Lagasse last appeared at Joseph-Beth in 1999, nearly 3,000 fans turned out to meet their favorite chef - more than any other author to appear at the store.

The New Orleans-based Lagasse, 47, who hosts two cooking shows on the Food Network, owns seven restaurants (he'll open two more next year), and promotes his own line of cookware, spices and pasta sauces, found time to answer a few questions before beginning his fall book tour.

Congratulations on the baby (7-month old E.J. or Emeril, Jr.). Think he's going to follow you into the kitchen?

I don't know. It's up to him. He's a great eater, but he hasn't had any of dad's food yet. Just some pureed apples and carrots.

IF YOU GO

What: Chef Emeril Lagasse signs copies of From Emeril's Kitchens . When: 4 p.m. Tuesday. Where: Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, 2692 Madison Road, Norwood. Information: 396-8960.

Is this kind of a second chance for you to enjoy being a father?

Absolutely. When my daughters were young (Lagasse's two daughters from his first marriage are in their 20s), I was working two jobs and trying to make a career for myself. This is a whole different perspective.

Have to ask: What went wrong with the NBC sitcom (Lagasse portrayed himself in the short-lived show, "Emeril," which debuted in 2001)?

Two major things. One was we had a guy who was an avid fan, Jeff Zucker (president of NBC Entertainment). Unfortunately, he was brand new. The place was flooded with people who had been there longer, who had other ideas.

Another thing was we were going to debut on 9-11. But we had to kick it back a couple of weeks. After that, I didn't think it was time for a comedy. I thought it was a good show, but not necessarily great. We did 12 episodes and it deteriorated. When you look at the time slot, Tuesdays at 8, nothing has worked since. You could come back as Frank Sinatra, but if you didn't get the ratings, you'd get canceled.

Would you considering doing another prime-time TV show?

No, but I have no regrets. I enjoyed it. I met Robert Urich (cast member on Emeril) and got to know him before he died. I've had a few opportunities since then (for a show), but I don't think so. I'm very content with my restaurant world.

Considering the size of your restaurant and television empire, how much bigger can Emeril get?

I don't have a map ... I can't say what we'll do tomorrow. Our philosophy is about quality and what we like. But I don't know if I have any more restaurants in me.

Do you still enjoy cooking?

Absolutely. Every day. It's my life. I'm busier than I ever imagined. But I'm with great people, people who want to work for me. The thrill for me is still being in the restaurant, meeting people and cooking ...When I see it changing, when it's not fun anymore, that's when I'll probably stop.

E-mail cmartin@enquirer.com