I launched The Emeril Lagasse Foundation to provide culinary training and developmental and educational programs to children in the cities where my restaurants operate. I think everyone has a responsibility to give back to the community if they can and to help future generations learn new skills.

I was at a party and some squiggly looking dude with a bow tie came up and said 'How'd you like to be on TV?' Turns out he was the programming guy at the Food Network. They had me come into the office and I did a 'Ready Set Cook' with Emeril Lagasse I believe.

My Food Network shows 'Emeril Live' and 'Essence of Emeril ' are not in production right now but I wouldn't say that I'm necessarily leaving Food Network. I have a lot of television still in me. I enjoy teaching people so it's just a matter of time before I do something new.

I started cooking in kitchens right out of high school and I was lucky to work with a lot of great people but I had no idea it would turn into this. Of course no one should go into this business because they want to be the next Emeril.