Lidia Bastianich, sorry, but kind of boring. I mean, I love Lidia, but you can fall asleep watching her. And Mario Batali? I love Mario to death... but he's not romantic or sensual. Those are the things I bring to the table.

As long as you're eating well and moving your body every day, age is just a state of mind

For a healthy alternative to buffalo wings, slide the bone of a human finger into a block of tofu and bake.

You just need a little perspective. Warmed chocolate can give you that.

It helps immerse yourself in what you potentially want to do. Being involved, learning firsthand and observing the craft and absorbing all you can, makes it easier to define what you want. It will also ultimately make you a better Chef. Culinary school, or even a single class, is a great bet too.

I lost my brother when he was 30, and that was devastating for me. I don't know if I will ever get over it.

I think children learning to cook can be such a wonderful thing. It can help build confidence, make them feel good about themselves. It helped me build my ego and even start to get acceptance at school. I'd bring things to class that I'd cooked at home.