In Ethiopia, food is often looked at through a strong spiritual lens, stronger than anywhere else I know. It's the focal point of weddings, births and funerals and is a daily ceremony from the preparation of the meal and the washing of hands to the sharing of meals.

America has been very open to immigrants in terms of laws, getting loans - it has been helping immigrants more than it's been helping African Americans in starting a small business. That's key, whether you're starting a restaurant or a laundromat.

I'm a big believer in the negligee, that nearly invisible screen standing between you and the object of your desire.

In Europe I couldn't be anything but a black cook working for somebody. My inspiration was to own, to be the chef.

For many of us, clean water is so plentiful and readily available that we rarely, if ever, pause to consider what life would be like without it.

I love Thanksgiving because it's a holiday that is centered around food and family, two things that are of utmost importance to me.

In Africa, you have no clean water, but you have good food options. In Harlem, everyone can shower and get fresh water, but you often have bad food options.