I seem to respond most to places that are more cosmopolitan because of my Manhattan upbringing. Some of the major international cities I've visited, like Madrid, Rome and London, have a lot of similarities and "New York" elements while ... having their own flavor.

'The Food Network' was just starting in New York, and I was getting lots of attention from Mesa Grill. They had no money, so if you couldn't get there by subway, you couldn't be on. It wasn't like TV was something I really wanted to do - but I knew it would be great publicity for my restaurants.

I think New York has the most diverse and best quality representation of so many different cuisines at all levels.

I dropped out of high school. I really had no interest in doing any school work whatsoever.

An instant-read thermometer is your best bet for making sure that meat and fish are cooked to the proper temperature.

When people pile seven things onto one burger, it drives me nuts!

I'd love to visit Thailand just for the street food and the energy of a city like Bangkok.