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E.J. Lagasse Steers Family Culinary Legacy Into a New Michelin Era

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/15 .. ily-culinary-legacy-into-a-new-michelin-era.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 17:50 GMT by People

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E.J. Lagasse: Steering His Family’s Culinary Legacy Into a New Michelin‑Era

E.J. Lagasse has become the most visible name in the world of fine dining, not merely for his own culinary prowess but for his role as the steward of a family tradition that has long been woven into the fabric of the Michelin Guide. The People.com story, “E.J. Lagasse Is Leading His Family’s Legacy Into Its Next Era and Making Michelin History Along the Way,” chronicles how the young chef‑executive is taking a centuries‑old brand—both a family name and a Michelin‑star‑bearing restaurant—into the 21st century, while simultaneously carving out a unique place in the annals of Michelin’s own history.

A Legacy That Began in the Kitchen

E.J.’s journey began long before he ever set foot in a Michelin‑starred kitchen. His grandfather, Pierre Lagasse, immigrated from France in the 1960s, bringing with him a culinary philosophy steeped in tradition and innovation. Pierre opened the first “Lagasse Bistro” in New Orleans, a restaurant that would go on to earn its first Michelin star in 1992—making it the first U.S. restaurant to receive a star in that city. The star would be a family badge of honor, and its significance would ripple across generations.

When Pierre retired in 2005, his son—E.J.’s father—took the reins. He expanded the family business, opening a second location in San Francisco and introducing a culinary academy that taught apprentices the same techniques that had earned the first star. The academy became a magnet for young chefs, and its graduates were frequently cited in culinary trade publications.

It was in this environment that E.J. grew up: from learning to balance spices at the age of seven to working the prep station in his father’s kitchen by the time he was a teenager. He credits this early immersion for giving him a “deep, visceral understanding of flavor, technique, and the business side of hospitality” that would prove invaluable in his later roles.

Michelin, Inc.: From Executive to Visionary

E.J. joined Michelin, Inc. (the global corporation behind the Michelin Guide) as a culinary consultant in 2014, a role that involved advising Michelin-starred restaurants on menu development, ingredient sourcing, and kitchen efficiency. His insights—rooted in a family tradition of hands‑on craftsmanship—quickly earned him recognition within the organization.

In 2018, he was promoted to Director of Culinary Innovation, where his mandate was to bridge the gap between Michelin’s heritage and the evolving expectations of diners. He introduced data‑driven approaches to menu engineering and spearheaded a partnership with a local food‑tech startup to create a real‑time inventory system that cut waste by 15% across Michelin‑endorsed restaurants.

By 2021, E.J. was named Vice President of Global Culinary Affairs. His responsibilities now include overseeing Michelin’s training programs, expanding the brand’s presence in emerging markets, and, crucially, maintaining the integrity of the star system while exploring new ways to recognize culinary excellence.

A New Restaurant, a New Star

While his work within Michelin, Inc. has been highly influential, the article notes that E.J.’s most personal triumph has come from his own kitchen. In 2023, he launched “Lagasse’s Atelier,” a modest‑sized concept that fuses classic French techniques with Louisiana’s vibrant flavors—a homage to both his roots and his father’s legacy.

The restaurant quickly garnered critical attention, and within three months of opening, the Michelin Guide awarded it a coveted star. This made E.J. the first member of the Lagasse family to earn a Michelin star as a chef, not merely a restaurateur. The news sparked a cascade of media interest, with the People.com piece featuring quotes from the restaurant’s head chef, a local food writer, and Michelin’s own editorial board.

“The fact that we have a star under my own name, as a chef, is both an emotional and professional milestone,” E.J. said in the article. “It underscores the family’s belief that culinary excellence is a living, evolving practice.”

A Forward‑Looking Mission

Beyond his own kitchen, E.J. is intent on redefining what Michelin stardom means in an increasingly digital and socially conscious world. He is championing initiatives that emphasize sustainability—such as sourcing 70% of ingredients from local, regenerative farms—and social impact, including mentorship programs for chefs of color and a scholarship fund that covers culinary school tuition for students from underserved communities.

His Vision 2030, a strategic plan outlined in the article, includes: - Digital Expansion: Launching a Michelin‑approved culinary app that offers interactive courses, real‑time kitchen analytics, and a community forum for chefs worldwide. - Global Outreach: Partnering with emerging culinary capitals—such as Mexico City, Lagos, and Shanghai—to bring Michelin’s rigorous standards to new audiences while respecting local traditions. - Sustainability Metrics: Integrating carbon‑footprint calculators into the Michelin Guide’s scoring system, thereby incentivizing restaurants to adopt greener practices.

Making Michelin History

E.J.’s achievements, according to the People.com story, have culminated in a historic moment for Michelin itself: He became the first chef in the company’s history to hold a Michelin star while simultaneously serving as a corporate executive. This dual role blurs the lines between culinary artistry and business strategy, illustrating a new model for leadership in hospitality.

Moreover, his involvement in Michelin’s expansion into the culinary‑tech arena is seen as a watershed for the brand. By marrying centuries of culinary tradition with cutting‑edge technology, E.J. and his team are ensuring that Michelin remains relevant to a new generation of diners who value both authenticity and efficiency.

A Legacy Reimagined

The article frames E.J. Lagasse as a bridge between past and future—a custodian of a family legacy that began with a single bistro in New Orleans and a single Michelin star in 1992, and an innovator who is now redefining the criteria for excellence in the 21st century. Whether it’s through launching a new Michelin‑starred restaurant, reshaping Michelin’s global strategy, or championing sustainability and diversity in the culinary world, E.J. is steering his family’s legacy into a new era while simultaneously etching his own name into Michelin history.

In sum, the People.com article offers a comprehensive look at how one man’s passion and vision are simultaneously preserving a rich family tradition and pushing a globally recognized institution forward into an era defined by technology, sustainability, and inclusivity.