When I first decided to open a restaurant, I was turned down by several banks. It was the late 80's and many restaurants were failing. I refused to give up because I knew I had a good concept.

Whether it's books or TV, or whatever the case may be, the backbone of what I do is my restaurants.

I'm not impressed with presidents. I have met a few, but I'm not impressed with them.

I love to cook; that's my passion.

I can't tell you enough about cinnamon. Cinnamon is an awesome spice to use and it goes great with something like apples in the morning or in a mixture of fruit or in your oatmeal or even in your cereal.

You can easily put together your own favorite spice blend, whether that's a salt and pepper mixture or you're adding herbs to it or Creole spice. Just watch out for the sodium content. That why I encourage you to make your own.

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