Discovering
‘s
Florida
By Rachelle Lucas
F
rom a sweet and spicy “Cochinitos” Caramel and Chili Glazed Pork Belly, to
cheesy southern Gritz-A-Ya-Ya, Emeril has been uncovering the Sunshine
State’s delicious food scene in his popular new show, Emeril’s Florida, on the
Cooking Channel.
Each 30-minute episode is peppered with mouthwatering food shots while
showcasing Florida’s great festivals, abundant agriculture, top chefs, and award-winning
restaurants. He traveled to over 30 locations from Pensacola to Miami, touring hydroponic
farms, fishing in the Gulf, visiting one of the largest cattle ranches in the country, and even
giving us a little insight into the cosmic cuisine he helped create for the space program.
Quite a few of the episodes finish with Emeril working with one of Florida’s chefs, cooking up a delicious dinner by the ocean with the sunset behind them, casting brilliant orange
and pink colors across the sky. It leaves you hungry not just for food, but for a night out
relaxing at the beach as well.
I had a chance to chat with Pat Roberts, the Co-Executive Producer of Emeril’s Florida,
and a good friend of Emeril.
8 FOOD TRAVELER | SUMMER 2013