Mom ran the house, so we grew up Portuguese.

Everyone needs a mentor.

My office in New York is overflowing with all kinds of cookbooks, and in New Orleans we have a huge culinary library. So yeah, I guess I'm a little bit obsessed.

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

My philosophy from day one is that I can sleep better at night if I can improve an individual's knowledge about food and wine, and do it on a daily basis.

When it ceases to be fun, I'll stop and just stay in my restaurants.

The most interesting thing I've ever heard about myrself that isn't true is that I'm not a nice guy.