I have always looked at it this way: If you strive like crazy for perfection - an all-out assault on total perfection - at the very least you will hit a high level of excellence, and then you might be able to sleep at night. To accomplish something truly significant, excellence has to become a life plan.

One must know combinations, one must have a true knowledge of food to be in the moment.

Chefs, as a whole, say yes to any project, fundraiser, or tasting because they have such a generous spirit.

Always make stock in a large quantity and freeze it in plastic bags. That way, when you want to make a nice soup or boil veggies, you can simply pull the bag out of the freezer.

The art of cooking is among the most intimate things that we can do for another.

Excellence is about fighting and pursuing something diligently, with a strict and determined approach to doing it right. It's okay if there are flaws in the process - it makes it more interesting.

My parents couldnt be looser. It was the ultimate laissez faire upbringing.