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.

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

What I was reading was already part of my psyche, but finally someone else was saying it's okay to walk alone.

A jazz musician can improvise based on his knowledge of music. He understands how things go together. For a chef, once you have that basis, that's when cuisine is truly exciting.

I’m all about making money. It’s the greatest thing, because it means you get money to spend.

I couldnt really relate to the fraternity or party scene, to the people out in the mall every day protesting one thing or another. I felt like there was no one I could relate to.

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