David Slater, Chief Culinary Officer for Emeril’s Homebase since 2016, has dedicated his career to celebrating the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans while embracing the multicultural influences that inspire his cooking. Originally from Toronto, Canada, David grew up surrounded by diverse flavors and credits his Ukrainian grandparents with sparking his passion for food and teaching him the importance of blending tradition with creativity. 

After graduating from the Florida Culinary Institute in 1997, David began his journey in New Orleans, gaining experience at the Windsor Court Hotel and Restaurant Cuvée. In 2001, he joined Emeril Lagasse’s team at Emeril’s Orlando and, in 2005, returned to New Orleans as a sous chef at Emeril’s flagship restaurant. After Hurricane Katrina, he temporarily relocated to New York to continue honing his craft before helping reopen Emeril’s New Orleans later that year. In 2008, David was honored to step into the role of chef de cuisine, where he worked to highlight the vibrant ingredients and flavors that make New Orleans cuisine so special. 

David’s work has been recognized with local and national accolades, including being named one of New Orleans CityBusiness’s “Best Executive Chefs” in 2009 and a “Rising Star” by StarChefs in 2013. While he appreciates these honors, his greatest joy comes from creating dishes that resonate with guests and celebrating the culture of the city he now calls home. 

As Chief Culinary Officer, David plays an integral role in mentoring and developing the talented teams across Emeril’s restaurant group. He is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where creativity and passion thrive, ensuring the continued success of the restaurants. David also works closely with Emeril Lagasse, his son  EJ Lagasse, and the talented team at the Emeril Group on creating new concepts, blending innovation with a deep respect for the culinary traditions that have defined the Emeril’s brand. 

Beyond his restaurant responsibilities, David is proud to collaborate with the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, which focuses on mentoring and inspiring young people through culinary education. Helping children achieve their culinary dreams has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career, as he believes in the power of food to transform lives and open doors to a brighter future. 

For David, every dish is an opportunity to tell a story, and every day is a chance to celebrate the vibrant flavors and rich culture of New Orleans.