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

I wasnt using college as a stepping stone to law school or some other career. I just wanted a liberal-arts education.

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

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

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.

Cuisine is only about making foods taste the way they are supposed to taste.

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.