Attitudes toward food have completely changed.

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

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.

I was so nervous to turn 40, but the last year and a half has been the most fun I have ever had.

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

I made lemon spaghetti in an early season of 'Everyday Italian,' and to this day people still come up to me and say they love it. It's very, very simple. Basically, you cook the pasta and mix together Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice and zest and pour it over the pasta.

I'm most comfortable in T-shirts, but they have to have some style to them.