I'm just fascinated by houses. In another life, I'd have probably trained as an architect. If I had enough money, I'd collect them like other people collect teapots. I don't know why I love them so much. I'm just very interested in the idea of a house as a metaphor for the way one lives.

the house protects the dreamer; the houses that are important to us are the ones that allow us to dream in peace. Guests we've had stop in for a night or two all come down the first morning, ready to tell their dreams.

It's kind of amazing that people will travel because of a book. I admire that.

Life offers you a thousand chances... all you have to do is take one.

Venice, the most touristy place in the world, is still just completely magic to me.

A Chinese poet many centuries ago noticed that to re-create something in words is like being alive twice.

What has impressed me the most about the Italians whose tables we've sat at is that they are traditional cooks but also outrageously innovative. These people are wild improvisers.