Chef/author Emeril Lagasse shakes hands with Sean Mendonca after signing a copy of Lagasse's new book, 'Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast', in Vero Beach. (Deborah Silver / TCPalm.com)

There was a lot of “bam” at the Vero Beach Book Center Tuesday afternoon as famed restaurateur, author and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse greeted fans and signed copies of his newest cookbook Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast.

Hundreds started lining up by 2 p.m. for the appearance, which was the chef’s third visit to the store.

“He signed my apron,” said 11-year-old Adam Hennessey of Fort Pierce, who dreams one day of being a chef. “They told me he wouldn’t sign it, but he did. That’s just unbelievable.”

Lagasse, 50, said that he started working on the book about 18 months ago before the economy hit rock-bottom, and hopes it will offer suggestions to readers about preparing simple, healthy foods in quick, innovative ways. Another cookbook, called Farm to Fork will be released in June.

“In this country, we have so much great food,” Lagasse said. “People are looking to eat good whether it’s at home or in restaurants.”

Lagasse said whether he’s writing cookbooks, a column for Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food magazine or filming his successful television series, it’s all about recipes.

“Content is content,” said Lagasse. “You have to be accurate and it has to work. People are expecting for the recipe to work.”

Nancy Dudley of Fort Pierce brought her mother Gretchen to the Vero Beach Book Center to get a signed book for her nephew as a Christmas present.

“He’s a chef and he’s a big Emeril Lagasse fan,” Dudley said. “He used to watch him all the time when he was on the Food Network and he just loves the way Emeril cooks.”

Dudley said she was impressed by Lagasse’s demeanor and his willingness to talk to fans while he signed copies of his books.

“I think he’s just great,” Dudley said. “It’s nice to see him in person. Emeril has a nice personality, and his love for food, as well as people, really comes across.”

Vero Beach Book Center owner Tom Leonard said people always ask him who his favorite celebrity for book signings is.

“It’s always Emeril,” Leonard said. “The first time he was here, he signed books in the back room for over an hour before he even came out to meet fans and sign books for them personally. He is just a wonderful guy.”

For Carole Brubaker of Vero Beach, just meeting Lagasse was the highlight of her afternoon, which was also her birthday.

“I came here at 2 p.m. just to get in line,” Brubaker said. “I figured if I got here two hours ahead, I’d be one of the first in line and I was.”

– Janet Begley