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I get the impression that this is a capital infusion that will help Emeril expand his restaurant empire to notches unknown.

This could be $45-$70 million of working capital that he could spin into several new cities. After all, he's only in New Orleans, Orlando, Vegas and Atlanta. Maybe he wants to open restaurants in other places like Chicago, LA or even NYC.

I see this as Emeril cashing in his assets and letting someone else take over the part of the empire he's tired of.

I also think that with the cancellation of Emeril Live, he's probably going to do less TV and focus on his restaurants and his family. The guy has worked very hard the last several years flying back and forth to NYC and maybe he just wants to focus on one thing.

By the way, Martha Stewart also bought Doc Gibbs' tambourine for $57.

Thumbs up. It's not so much what he was cooking, but his technique as a teacher was awesome.

I love both Emeril and Alton Brown because I can watch their shows and learn something about food preparation. Maybe it's a spice, maybe it's how to make a corn starch slurry, but in all cases, for an untrained, hobbiest cook like me, I find these shows invaluable sources of information.

I also just like Emeril. He is captivating and magnetic. He seems like a regular guy and not one of these food snobs you see a lot on TV.

I'm very sad he won't be on as much, but I do agree with all of the new stars at Food Network, someone had to remain standing when the music stopped.

Here on the left coast, Essence of Emeril is not available except in the day time. this is sad because working folk don't get a chance to see it. I wasn't really fond of the night time show, but, at least, he cooked. All the phony stuff they put on now is truly annoying. Too much making of cakes, silly contests and contrived stuff.

Paula Dean and Rachel Ray are too much. Annoying, trite and phony! My food shows come on PBS these days where the artist/cook really cooks and you learn something. Three exceptions come to mind - Giada, Ina Garten and Ellie Krieger. I also watch Alton Brown when I can. he's funny and has his facts in order. If Tyler Florence is on, I haven't found his show

I think The Essence of Emeril is one of THE best cooking shows. I also like Jacques Pepin, America's Test Kitchen and Barefoot Contessa.

I have learned a wealth of info and techniques from Emeril. I admit that the LIVE show turned me off though. I wouldn't watch it and certainly won't miss it.

@SayWhat,

maybe Martha did not take interest in you because you did not have insider trading tips for her.

You forgot Miami Beach's Emeril restaurant (in the Lowes Hotel), Chip.

It doesn't feel like other rock star chefs touch emeril's status as of yet. emeril has "bam" and bobby flay has boy meets grill? and then how many people who do not read food blogs know about Per Se? and then how many know about Babbo? Who's left after that?