When it comes to cooking and eating, I always try to preach that life is about moderation. Even if I'm having beef for dinner, it's probably going to be a 3-4 ounce portion with heaps and heaps of vegetables.

Every lesson I learned as a kid was at the dinner table. Being Greek, Sicilian and Ruthenian - we are an emotional bunch. It is where we laughed, cried and yelled - but most importantly, where we bonded and connected.

I make no bones about it. I have no understanding of pastry.

I'm a firm believer that all this packaged stuff that Americans are buying up in gobs is making them fatter.

Never let the pressure get so big that you stop cooking and being who you are. I'm going to win or lose doing my food. Because when the pressure's on, you need to do food that you're very comfortable with.

My father cried when I said I wanted to be a chef.

My goal in 'Live to Cook' is to make great food more approachable for home cooks.