Each year, my work as the Journal Star’s food and dining reporter takes me to all kinds of restaurants in the Peoria area. So, when I dine out, I often find myself trying new restaurants with vastly ...

Charisma and charm in the kitchen can bring the culinary experience to life, and Emeril Lagasse has both in spades. From his time as head chef at Commander's Palace in New Orleans (also Lagasse's ...