*************
Fall River has a large Portuguese population, which I believe is Emeril's heritage.
Chef Emeril Lagasse received his first culinary experience from his mother, Hilda, when he was a boy growing up in the small town of Fall River, Massachusetts. As a teenager, he worked at a Portuguese bakery where he mastered the art of bread and pastry baking. Upon high school graduation, Lagasse was offered a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music, but decided to pursue a career as a professional chef. He earned a degree from the respected culinary fortress, Johnson and Wales University, and later received an honorary Doctorate degree from the university. Lagasse then traveled to Paris and Lyon where he polished his skills and learned the art of classic French cuisine. Returning to the United States, Lagasse practiced his art in fine restaurants in New York, Boston and Philadelphia before heading south to the Big Easy. Lured to New Orleans by Dick and Ella Brennan, Lagasse established his star at their legendary restaurant, Commander's Palace, where he was executive chef for seven and a half years.
http://www.emerils.com/emeril/biography.html
Portuguese cooking is guite good.
If Emeril is doing it, I believe you.
Had dinner at his place once, in a crowd of hungry fellow-geologists during a convention. Outstanding, if you don't mind walking through one of the rougher parts of the old American Quarter to get to his place.