A lot of parents ask me how to get kids to eat more vegetables. The first thing I say is that it starts from the top.

I was on the board of Andre Agassi's foundation, and seeing the way it operated blew my mind. In 2002, I told my wife, I want to start a foundation to give back, I want it to be for kids in hard circumstances, and I want it to be culinary-driven, because that's who I am.

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.

A lot of parents ask me how to get kids to eat more vegetables. The first thing I say is that it starts from the top.

Get up every day and try a little harder than the day before.

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.

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.