Patience was not something that came naturally to me, but in cooking it is the quintessential skill.

There are few women in America that don't want to lose 5 pounds, but I refuse to let that thought dominate my life. And there are too many other real problems in the world - real obesity problems and real hunger problems - to worry that much about a few pounds that I'd like to lose.

First and foremost, you have to remember that restaurants are businesses and they have to stay in business. And though everyone thinks they want grass fed beef, most people actually prefer the taste of corn fed - it is less dry, more marbled, and less gamey, not to mention much less expensive than grass fed.

You know, I lose patience really easily; I'd rather shop in the grocery store than in the department store. I can pick an apple like nobody's business.

I am a glutton for a beautiful hotel. I am so easily smitten by high thread counts.

I have a mantra in my head that there will always be another meal. I can put my fork down, knowing there will be good things in my future!

Patience is the secret to good food.