We're setting up an urban farm for kids on more than 20 acres in New Orleans. We want to make this a world-class educational center for the community.

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

Everyone needs a mentor.

My family... always had the value of the family table and these cultural influences of growing up.

Cooking is so popular today because it's the perfect mix of food and fun.

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

I grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts. My background was modest, and I worked at a Portuguese bakery in town.