Bam! Emeril Lagasse to Open Burger Bistro

Emeril Lagasse is expanding his culinary empire this month with his first hamburger joint.

Burgers and More by Emeril will bring the world-famous chef's signature flair to the basic burger. It's slated to open Nov. 22 at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pa.

"I really want to be the real thing," Emeril told Slashfood at the restaurant's unveiling at New York City's famed Carnegie Deli. "This is not going to be the dollar menu here."
Along with grass-fed beef burgers, Emeril plans salmon and crab options, along with local produce and a hand-picked selection of Pennsylvania microbrews.

Even the condiments will be made on the premises, Emeril told Slashfood, and the Emeril empire is taking its burgers seriously, even installing a grill identical to the ones in the new restaurant in his New Orleans flagship restaurant.

"We really and truly have been practicing for a couple of months," he said. "There's a lot of pride and a lot of work going into this."

In addition to the burgers and brews, the menu will feature hand-cut french fries and cheese fries, malts, onion rings, Emeril's clam chowder and "some Pennsylvania mushrooms."

What won't you find at Burgers and More?

High-end, over-priced kobe or wagu beef burgers, Emeril said. "I just find it very hard to charge somebody $28 for a hamburger ... We have to be a little bit price sensitive. That's why I don't have a restaurant in New York City."

The Carnegie Deli is also opening a restaurant, which will feature the same menu as its Manhattan location, at the Sands this month.