I'm not just a female chef. I'm a woman in a brand new hotel, and that's why I think it's so perfect to be at the Cromwell, in a corner of one of the busiest intersections of the world, with my name in lights. It's different in all those sorts of ways, and I'm hoping I'll be able to carry that through. Because if I can't, it's a step back for women in general. People will say - men will say - "See, that's why it's mostly men".

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

If people are made to feel uncomfortable in the kitchen, they won't go in there. That's why I think children learning to cook can be such a wonderful thing.

Opportunities present themselves and you have to enjoy the ride. All of us get so worried about the next step that we don't enjoy the moment we're in right now.

The holidays stress people out so much. I suggest you keep it simple and try to have as much fun as you can.

I have been blessed with a good, fun, and wonderful life, but I've also seen a whole lot of pain.

I think you can tell the food is close to my heart, too, because I'm doing what I do best.