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

I launched The Emeril Lagasse Foundation to provide culinary training, and developmental and educational programs to children in the cities where my restaurants operate. I think everyone has a responsibility to give back to the community if they can, and to help future generations learn new skills.

I ended up turning down a full scholarship of music at the conservatory to pay to go to cooking school.

I think you've got to keep it simple, keep it fresh. Stay away from all that processed stuff, read the labels.

Food is very representative of a city's culture. In order to really get to know a place and the people, you've got to eat the food.

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

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