I was on the board of Andre Agassi's foundation, and seeing the way it operated blew my mind. In 2002, I told my wife, I want to start a foundation to give back, I want it to be for kids in hard circumstances, and I want it to be culinary-driven, because that's who I am.

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 had these recipes that say do this, do that. Who MAKES these rules?

Growing up in New England, being schooled and classically trained, it needed to shake, it needed to evolve.

Life just doesn't hand you things. You have to get out there and make things happen. that's the exciting part.

I was on the board of Andre Agassi's foundation, and seeing the way it operated blew my mind. In 2002, I told my wife, I want to start a foundation to give back, I want it to be for kids in hard circumstances, and I want it to be culinary-driven, because that's who I am.

Spice is life. It depends upon what you like... have fun with it. Yes, food is serious, but you should have fun with it.