I had my first French meal and I never got over it. It was just marvelous. We had oysters and a lovely dry white wine. And then we had one of those lovely scalloped dishes and the lovely, creamery buttery sauce. Then we had a roast duck and I don't know what else.

You never forget a beautiful thing that you have made. Even after you eat it, it stays with you - always.

Some people like to paint pictures, or do gardening, or build a boat in the basement. Other people get a tremendous pleasure out of the kitchen, because cooking is just as creative and imaginative an activity as drawing, or wood carving, or music.

I'm afraid that surprise, shock, and regret is the fate of authors when they finally see themselves on the page.

When you flip anything, you really you just have to have the courage of your convictions.

Personally, I don't think pure vegetarianism is a healthy lifestyle. I've often wondered to myself: Does a vegetarian look forward to dinner, ever?

I love to teach - that's my role.