Martha has formed invaluable relationships with so many incredible individuals and companies throughout the years.
In 2008, we welcomed one of the most creative and influential cooking personalities into the Martha Stewart Living family -- chef Emeril Lagasse.
I can honestly say that I have never met a man nicer than Emeril, and there is not a single one of my colleagues that doesn't agree with me. He is truly a kind man whose generosity and sense of caring knows no bounds.
Emeril nurtured a passion for food at a young age. Though a talented musician in high school, he took a different path and pursued culinary schooling at Johnson and Wales University, then in Paris where he was classically trained in French cuisine.
He continued his rise stateside, working in fine restaurants in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and New Orleans before opening his own restaurant in 1990.
Emeril has turned a childhood passion into a cooking empire. He owns 12 restaurants in five cities across the U.S., hosts syndicated television shows, and has a retail line of creole foods and cookware.
Martha Stewart Living now features Emeril's recipes, cookbooks, and you can even hear Emeril on Martha Stewart Living Radio.
I couldn't resist including some photos of the interiors of his beautiful restaurants, along with some of his eye-catching recipes.
1 With his amazing food sense, Chef Emeril Lagasse is right at home in the Martha Stewart Living family.
2 Emeril's New Orleans opened in 1990 as Lagasse's first restaurant. I particularly love the woven ceilings.
3 Emeril's Delmonico in New Orleans. Rich, creamy leathers are a great choice for the bar area.
4 Chef Spencer Minch of Emeril's Delmonico stands among beautiful aged meats and wines.
5 Burgers and More by Emeril in Pennsylvania. A pop art mosaic of Emeril kicks up the impact of the dining area.
6 The primary colors and open kitchen of Burgers and More create a casual and family friendly environment.
7 Emeril's in Miami Beach. The vibrant interior match the restaurants bright and sunny surroundings.
8 Emeril's New Orleans Fish House in Las Vegas. The giant metal fish sculpture is quite the statement piece.
9 The bar at Table 10. The blue pendant lamps set the bar apart from the warm tones in the dining area.
10 The food bar at Table 10 in Las Vegas.
11 Nola in New Orleans. This restaurant has a more rustic atmosphere.
12 Emeril's Tchoup Chop in Orlando. The water feature in the center of the restaurant is breathtaking.
13 A dining area at Tchoup Chop in Orlando. The exotic flare is stunning.
14 20-40-60 Fresh Food Fast is available in the Martha Stewart online shop.
15 Emeril at the Grill is also available in the Martha Stewart family of cookbooks.
16 Sometimes nothing is better than a classic steak. Speaking of..
17 Emeril recently launched a line of high-quality meats. Red Marble Steaks offers a wide selection of steaks perfect for summer grilling. (redmarblesteaks.com)
18 I bet this cantaloupe, arugula, and prosciutto salad is just as delicious as it looks.
19 Emeril's grilled vegetables are so vibrant in color and flavor.
20 Emeril makes a delicious combination of oysters and caviar.
21 These marinated and grilled shrimp look mouth-watering.
22 Emeril and Martha make a great team.
Cantaloupe, Arugula, and Prosciutto
Eggplant and Peppers with Feta
Poached Oysters with Spinach Puree
Big T Bone Steaks with Chipotle Butter
Lemon-Herb Grilled Shrimp
Emeril is also featured cooking kid-friendly recipes with his son E.J.and daughter Meril in Everyday Food Magazine, and sometimes the duo make highly entertaining appearances on Martha's show....
Watch Emeril, son E.J., and Martha cook on Martha's show
Kevin Sharkey 
