Rating: 
Summary: A bit disorganized, but if you love Emeril you'll like this
Review: When reading a cookbook by Emeril Lagasse, the first thing one has to realize in assessing its merit is that most people either love or hate Emeril. Since I love Emeril, I assumed I'd love this book. But I've read enough good cookbooks to recognize a not-so-good one when I see it and I'd have to put this one in that so-so category. The recipes are interesting to read, if not to prepare, and their typical over-the-top piling on of ingredients which is Emeril's signature I find to be exciting and inspiring. On the other hand, the book itself is not terribly well organized. It is separated into events, or celebratory occasions, instead of types of dishes (i.e., appetizers, main courses, desserts, etc.). This makes it hard to absorb or remember what is in this book, harder still to compare the merits of one type of recipe with another. For instance, if you're looking for a great appetizer to make for a party, you have to scan the whole book to figure out if it has anything appropriate to offer. I'm not real fond of this format. I don't buy the criticism that Emeril's writing technique assumes knowledge -- his style is to be a teacher wherever possible. I also think that anyone who would like to cook or read about low-fat food really has no business reading Emeril's stuff, so that's not a fair criticism either. Overall, the book offers typical Emeril fare, which I happen to like, but it does so in a confusing and haphazard manner which I didn't feel comfortable wading through. I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone who either hates Emeril or needs information at the tips of their fingers.
Rating: 
Summary: Party on with Emeril Lagasse
Review: While I agree with many folks that Emeril's over-the-top style is not for everyone, the Louisiana Party recipes are really just what you need for big get-togethers and just plain fun. I don't know what it is, but Louisiana-style food just shouts "Party on!" I used to use another famous Louisiana cook's Jambalaya (Paul Prudhomme) all the time, but I needed some new party recipes. So I was very glad to get this book and find that the Shrimp Creole recipe is terrific for parties. So is the Hot Jalapeno Crab Dip. There are also a lot of rice recipes in the book--and I like rice dishes for parties, which is why I was stuck on Jambalaya for so long. Because Emeril encourages you to "kick it up a notch" or go "BAM" you can always adapt these recipes to your own tastes. This isn't a sacred text, to be read aloud in hushed tones as you measure the ingredients with a scale and tweezers. This is "BIG" food. We are not talking low fat, nouvelle cuisine -type fare served on huge empty white plates with Monet impressionist paintings in three colors of sauces. This is loud, hot, lipid-enriched, naughty, down-home stuff. If that's what heats your skillet, then go for it.
Rating:
Summary: No visual appeal
Review: This book lacks pictures of the featured recipes. There are several pictures of New Orleans and people, but none of the completed dishes. If you're like me, pictures are what draw you towards preparing a recipe. What's a cookbook without food photographs?
Rating:
Summary: Let's talk about the Recipes ...
Review: Emeril creates polar opinions. Read some of the other customer reviews and you'll see what I mean. His "in your face" style forces people to make a love or hate decision. This book is a celebration of Emeril. But it is also a cookbook. It was given to me as a gift and I have thumbed through it several times and tried a few of the recipes. One thing first: Emeril's cookbooks are not for the first time chef. The show my be fun but his recipes can be pretty demanding and it takes a practiced eye to seperate the easy from the difficult. Finding ingredients can also be a challenge. One frustration about this book is the lack of food photos. Pictures of a finished dish can be helpful, especially when you're not sure things are going well in the kitchen. All of that said, the three recipes I have tried so far have turned out great. Just be prepared, cooking like Emeril takes time and makes a big mess. And, while you're cooking you have to try a few, "bams." They do actually make the food taste better...
Rating: 
Summary: Emeril does it again!!!
Review: Another great book from Emeril!!! He gives you recipes for every occasion. They are sure to please!
Rating:
Summary: BAM!
Review: What can I say, it's EMERIL!! I have "wow-ed" many friends and family members with recipes from this book. The recipes are simply the best!! People ask me for the recipes I make from this book every time I make something.
Rating:
Summary: great ideas - but definitely for the gourmet
Review: I love Emeril's recipes, but unfortunately for me many of the ingredients are exotic or perhaps regional. So many of the recipes turn out to be difficult to shop for. The ones I've been able to pull off turned out excellent, however!
Rating:
Summary: Great book for entertaining
Review: East to follow recipes -- can't wait to make the gumbo for my guests over the holidays!!!
Rating:
Summary: Wide range of recipes for various tastes
Review: While I wouldn't use every recipe in this book, the variety is extensive enough that you can find just about anything to match your tastes. I've used the pizza dough recipe and it came out a little more like the crust you'd expect on a frozen pizza, but the gumbo ya-ya recipe is a keeper.
Rating:
Summary: Every Day is a Party
Review: This is "classic" Emeril! Entertaining, informative, and over the top! His style abounds in this book. It is far more than a cookbook. It is a glimpse into Emeril the man. For those who criticize this book or Emeril, perhaps they can do better. I would be the first to buy any of their books should they accept the challange. Emeril's cookbooks are like Emeril, "happy, happy, happy!" This book will be on my Christmas "giving" list!
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