When the taste changes with every bite and the last bite tastes as good as the first, that's Cajun.

What I think and what the world thinks is totally different.

In '71 or '72 I returned to New Orleans and stayed there. I started cooking Louisiana food. Of all the things I had cooked, it was the best-and it was my heritage.

I love people, and I'm excited that I can turn them on.

I think the most wonderful thing in the world is another chef. I'm always excited about learning new things about food.

Don't get fancy. Have you cooked an apple pie? You don't know what you did wrong? Do this: Take two or three apples. Put them on a table. Study them.

I believe in America. I'm one of those silly flag wavers.