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Emeril Lagasse's Thanksgiving Coin-Toss Tradition Turns Family Decision into Fun Ritual

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/26 .. ition-turns-family-decision-into-fun-ritual.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 8:43 GMT by People

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Emeril Lagasse’s Irreverent Thanksgiving Coin‑Toss Tradition: A Quick Look

When you think of the American Thanksgiving table, the image that pops into most people’s heads is a golden‑brown turkey, a mound of mashed potatoes, and a family gathered around a wooden table, laughing and sharing stories. What most people don’t realize, however, is that for culinary superstar Emeril Lagasse, the holiday is also a time for a very specific ritual that combines family, a bit of superstition, and the simple, unmistakable sound of a coin flipping through the air. In a recent People.com feature titled “Inside Emeril Lagasse’s Thanksgiving Coin‑Toss Tradition,” we’re given an inside look at how the “Bam!” chef turns an ordinary holiday decision into an exciting, family‑centered event.

The Genesis of the Tradition

Emeril’s coin toss tradition dates back to his childhood in New Orleans, a city that is as rich in culinary culture as it is in history and music. According to the article, Lagasse’s mother taught him how to toss a coin with a flick of the wrist, and the game became a way to make even mundane decisions feel fun. “If I wanted to go to the park or stay home, I’d toss a coin,” Emeril recalls. “It gave a sense of adventure to the day.” By the time he was a teen, the ritual had evolved into a holiday staple: each Thanksgiving, the family gathers around a small table in the kitchen, and Emeril flips a coin to decide a crucial part of the menu.

While many families have their own traditions (some flip a coin to decide who cuts the turkey, others toss a coin to decide whether to bring dessert), Emeril’s version is a bit more unique. Rather than simply choosing between two equally acceptable dishes, the coin toss determines whether Lagasse will cook his famous “baked sweet potato casserole” or a more classic roast turkey—essentially deciding which dish will carry the spotlight at his table. This decision, while seemingly trivial, is a way for Emeril to keep the holiday unpredictable and, in his own words, “to keep the kitchen alive.”

The Coin Itself: A Small Symbol, a Big Tradition

The article highlights the physical coin that emerges as a key symbol in the tradition. The coin is not a generic one; it bears a small design featuring the iconic “Bam!” logo, which became synonymous with Emeril’s culinary brand. “It’s my little ‘Bam!’ brand of luck,” Emeril says. The coin’s design adds a personal touch, reminding everyone that this tradition isn’t just about the food—it’s about Lagasse’s culinary identity and the playful spirit that has defined his career for decades.

The People.com feature also references a link to a separate article about Emeril’s “Bam!” brand and its evolution from a television catch‑phrase to a full‑blown brand encompassing cookware, kitchen appliances, and even a line of sauces. That other article delves deeper into the brand’s history, providing context for why the coin, stamped with the “Bam!” logo, is so meaningful to Lagasse and his fans.

Family Involvement: A Shared Decision

What truly makes Emeril’s coin toss a heart‑warming tradition is the way the entire family participates. The article describes a 2023 Thanksgiving where Emeril’s wife, Lauren, flips the coin on behalf of the family, with their two children—who are now teenagers—watching and cheering. “We love to see it happen,” the children share. The coin toss isn’t just about the meal; it’s a moment that brings the family together, allowing everyone to feel included in the decision-making process. The tradition is also a subtle nod to the way the family runs their kitchen together, even if they’re doing their own cooking.

The Cultural Significance

Emeril Lagasse is more than a celebrity chef; he is an ambassador for New Orleans cuisine, known for his vibrant personality and his signature “Bam!” style. His Thanksgiving coin toss reflects a broader cultural narrative: the importance of family, the joy of culinary experimentation, and the role of tradition in preserving memory and identity. For Lagasse, flipping a coin before the holiday meal is a way to keep the kitchen dynamic, to honor his roots, and to bring a bit of his trademark flair to a universally beloved holiday.

The People.com article also touches on how this tradition has evolved with the advent of social media. Emeril occasionally posts short clips of the coin toss on his Instagram feed, complete with the “Bam!” sound effect. The videos often go viral, reinforcing the brand’s presence in popular culture and inspiring fans to create their own coin‑toss traditions for Thanksgiving or other holidays.

A Legacy in the Making

Emeril’s coin toss tradition may seem like a small ritual, but it is a testament to his belief that cooking is an experience, not just a routine. The tradition allows him to keep his holiday menu fresh, to bring his family into the process, and to maintain a playful connection with his audience. As the article notes, the coin toss has become a staple of Lagasse’s Thanksgiving celebrations for more than a decade—an enduring part of the chef’s legacy that demonstrates how simple gestures can become powerful symbols of family, creativity, and cultural identity.

In a world where many Thanksgiving dinners are all about predictability—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce—Emeril Lagasse’s coin toss adds a dash of uncertainty, a touch of New Orleans flair, and a reminder that even the most traditional occasions can benefit from a little spontaneity. Whether you’re a fan of Emeril’s bold flavors or simply enjoy a good holiday ritual, the coin toss tradition offers a delightful way to bring families together and keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive, one flip at a time.