We're probably close to reaching 2,000 shows, which is more than Julia Child and Jacques Pepin together.

Food that's beautiful to look at seems to taste better than food that isn't.

I respected it. I submerged myself into it. So on a lot of days off I would go and fish with the fishermen and the families that ran the boats. I would go work the fields with farmers. I would go and talk with farmers about growing particular products for me.

Many of my staff have been with me for over 20 years. I have a great team, and I make sure they feel respected and appreciated.

I have a lot of influences. I'm American-schooled. I'm classically trained. I'm a pretty universal student, if you will. I have a lot of degrees, which really don't pay the rent. I have two doctorate degrees, I have a bachelor's degree, but I'm still a cook.

If you don't follow your dream, who will?

Music is one of those things that is constantly going in my head all the time. It's sort of like the evolution and creation of doing food, or my philosophy about wine. It's always beating in my head, so it keeps the spirit moving.