Rebuilding New Orleans, a meal at a time

A special episode of the Food Network's "Emeril Live" premiered Sunday. It was called "Rebuilding New Orleans, One Meal at a Time."

The program airs again Saturday at 6 p.m. (and Sunday at 1 a.m., if you happen to be an insomniac foodie). Emeril Lagasse, who owns three New Orleans restaurants, explores how the city's long- standing food establishments are faring since Hurricane Katrina.

As of press time, I've only seen a promotional copy that shows about 20 minutes of the program. Lagasse is dressed in a classy black suit instead of a chef coat, and he talks about how food and music are the heart and soul of the city. Restaurant proprietors, food-bank officials and volunteers were interviewed for the show.

The gumbos, the jambalaya, the fried chicken -- that's what people miss, says Wayne Baquet, owner of the restaurant Lil Dizzy's....