Everyone needs a mentor.

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

If you think big, then it's going to be big.

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.

I've always been known for bold flavors and rustic cooking, but there is another side to me. As you evolve as a cook, you understand life and how serious it is. There comes a point where there's got to be a better balance.

I try to teach my son about sanitation, especially when handling foods like chicken that could be dangerous. I remind him to wash his hands all the time. When my son cooks with me, he stands on a step stool so he can reach the stove. I teach him about safety and fire.

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