I'm comfortable in my own skin. I know I'm not going to ever be Cindy Crawford or Elle MacPherson.

Talking to other people while you're cooking, it doesn't come naturally.

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

When I was a kid, for my birthday every year, my mother made me pasta bechamel, which is rigatoni with a white cream sauce.

Attitudes toward food have completely changed.

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.

My mother and I, our favorite part of any baked pasta is the top, where the cheese gets crusty.