10 Things You Don't Know About Emeril Lagasse

Emeril Lagasse knows a thing or two about variety. The celebrity chef is taking his years of experience, celebrity friends and his trademark "Bam!" to ION Television in a new variety series.

Each week the chef will tackle a new theme and bring a mix of food, music, games and entertainment with the help of celebrity guests such as Martha Stewart, Jennie Garth, Eli Manning, Tim Gunn and Elmo. Yes, Elmo.

In the premiere episode of 'The Emeril Lagasse Show' (Sun., April 18 at 8PM ET on ION), Emeril welcomes Martha Stewart. The duo tackle a housewarming theme and are joined by former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams.

Watch a preview after the jump.Emeril Lagasse knows a thing or two about variety. The celebrity chef is taking his years of experience, celebrity friends and his trademark "Bam!" to ION Television in a new variety series.

Each week the chef will tackle a new theme and bring a mix of food, music, games and entertainment with the help of celebrity guests such as Martha Stewart, Jennie Garth, Eli Manning, Tim Gunn and Elmo. Yes, Elmo.

In the premiere episode of 'The Emeril Lagasse Show' (Sun., April 18 at 8PM ET), Emeril welcomes Martha Stewart. The duo tackle a housewarming theme and are joined by former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams.

Check out the video below for a special sneak-peek of Emeril and Martha in action. Also, from the chef himself, 10 things you didn't know about him.



1. He cooks his family dinner every night.
2. He grew up in Fall River, MA.
3. He loves to fish.
4. Yahtzee and Ping Pong are two of his favorite games.
5. One of his daughters lives in London (he has three).
6. He taught Julia Child how to peel crawfish.
7. He loves Vietnamese food.
8. He worked in a bakery growing up.
9. He was originally going to be a musician before cooking and was accepted into the New England Conservatory of Music.
10. His favorite travel destinations are Portugal, Spain and Italy.

If you missed the premiere, it'll be on Sun., April 25 at 7PM on ION, before the new episode with 'The View's' Sherri Shepherd. Emeril and Sherri team-up to share "staycation" ideas -- vacation ideas without travel.

Later this season Emeril and two of his children partner with Elmo for a special family-themed episode. Look for Emeril's kids, E.J. and Meril, to prepare their signature dishes.

When Jennie Garth stops by, Emeril and the 'Beverly Hills, 90210' actress prepare comfort foods to the music of Lonestar.

Emeril gets romantic when Allison Sweeney of 'The Biggest Loser' comes to the kitchen. The duo will present a crash course in romance.

Also on the menu is Tim Gunn, who will show Emeril how to make it work -- by himself! The two will make various do-it-yourself projects to the music of Bo Bice.

Tell us: What do you think of Emeril's new show?