I started cooking when I was about 10. I have memories like when I was 6 or 7 with my mom, and when I was 12 I started getting real serious about cooking.

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 love fresh citrus and always keep lemons, limes, and oranges on hand; they come in handy for spritzing up quickly grilled meats, seafoods, and vegetables, especially when followed up by a quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

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

Life just doesn't hand you things. You have to get out there and make things happen. that's the exciting part.

Spain has some of the richest culinary traditions and truly appreciates food that is simply prepared with top-notch ingredients.

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