I have a very modern way of thinking; the chef is there to lead the team and not just to sit behind the piano.

Everywhere in the world there are tensions - economic, political, religious. So we need chocolate.

It is impossible to remain indifferent to Japanese culture. It is a different civilisation where all you have learnt must be forgotten. It is a great intellectual challenge and a gorgeous sensual experience.

Tasting a dish should be memorable If nothing remains in the memory of a single guest, then I have made a mistake.

Classical cooking and molecular gastronomy should remain separate...you can mix two styles and get fusion; any more and you just get confusion.

Desserts are like mistresses. They are bad for you. So if you are having one, you might as well have two.

At my home in the southwest of France, I grow oak, hazel, and lemon trees in my backyard.