Emeril to be part of Sands Bethlehem Casino

Chef Emeril Lagasse, a fixture in Las Vegas, soon might become a fixture in Bethlehem, Pa. The celebrity chef is expected to open a restaurant at the $743 million Sands Bethlehem Casino this spring.

The 3,000-slot machine gaming complex, being built by Las Vegas Sands Corp., will open May 22 with four restaurants. The company has not announced the list of eateries, but sources confirmed Lagasse would be part of the mix.

Las Vegas Sands spokesman Ron Reese wouldn’t confirm Lagasse’s involvement, but said the Bethlehem casino would have a steakhouse operated "by a world-renowned celebrity chef."

Lagasse operates 10 restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami Beach and Gulfport, Miss.

In Las Vegas, Lagasse has Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand, Delmonico Steakhouse at the Venetian and Table 10 at the Palazzo. He also has taken over the food operations at the Palazzo sports book.