Westport Restaurant’s Surprise Celebrity Guest: Chef Emeril Lagasse

A renowned Portuguese restaurant in Westport got the surprise of a lifetime.

Cameron Olivier, owner of Portas Da Cidade, had no idea he had seated a legend in his State Road dining room on April 21 until a customer pointed out the famous face.

Only then did Olivier realize the celebrity status of his guest, confirmed by the reservation listing in the book: Emeril Lagasse.

A Fall River native and international culinary icon, Lagasse was accompanied at his table by six chefs. He's apparently venturing into Portuguese-inspired cuisine at a new restaurant in New Orleans.  Where better to find inspiration than on the SouthCoast, where Lagasse's love affair with food began?

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Reflecting on the encounter, Olivier said he was honored to hos Lagasee and his team of chefs. Although the waitress was professional, she told her boss she was secretly nervous due to Lagasse's stature in the restaurant world.

Upon learning of their distinguished guests, Olivier shared the news with his chefs: Ruben, Joe and Emanuel, who felt equally privileged to cook for Lagasse and his crew.

The dining experience unfolded with a selection of appetizers served family-style, including fresh cow cheese, fried smelts, chourico bombeiro (flaming chourico), baby clams Mozambique and codfish cakes. As for the main course, the group simply asked for two orders of Portas' popular octopus lagareiro.

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Despite the celebrity presence, the atmosphere remained warm and welcoming, with Olivier checking in periodically. The group approved of the food enthusiastically.

Lagasse's visit to Portas Da Cidade recognized the restaurant's reputation in the culinary community.

Lagasse's iconic catchphrase -- "Bam!" -- wasn't heard in the restaurant, but the encounter undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all involved.

While in the area, Lagasse also stopped by Sagres Restaurant in Fall River, Europa Pastries and Coffee Shop in Fall River, and O'Dinis in East Providence, Rhode Island.