People have more fun if they don't eat so much they have to be taken home in an ambulance.

I always like to have flowers on the table. I think they make it look special.

The dirty little secret is that I grew up in a household where there were no carbohydrates allowed, ever. No cookies, no bread, no potatoes, no rice. My mother was very extreme in terms of what she served. Since I left home more than 40 years ago, I've been making it right for myself.

The most overrated tool: a pasta maker. Why make it when you can buy it? It's a lot of work!

I always have music. I love it to be very upbeat. When you're having drinks, I like something like Cesaria Evora. During dinner, I like the much more traditional - old Frank Sinatra and things like that.

I get up every day, do the best that I can do, and go home and have a good time.

Never let 'em see you sweat. Guests feel guilty if they think you've worked too hard to make dinner for them - which of course you have!