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.

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.

You go to a restaurant in the States and kids have these game boards at the table. You don't see that in Italy or Spain. It's not because they can't afford to buy them, it's because that's not what eating together as a family is about.

I had a fierce curiosity about this food thing.

You know, for 300 years it's been kind of the same. There are restaurants in New Orleans that the menu hasn't changed in 125 years, so how is one going to change or evolve the food?

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

Wrap fish fillets, sliced veggies, and other quick-cooking items inside foil packets with bundles of fresh herbs and throw them directly on the grill; the steam will release the herb's perfume and flavor anything contained inside the pouch.