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.

Some people absorb in different ways. I didn't realize until I was 15 years old how much I retained.

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

We had no electricity, no gas. Food was probably our greatest entertainment - the most fun thing that we could do was food.

I didn't want to do just another set of recipes. I think that's useless.

My mother would put me on a wooden box at the stove and tell me to call her if certain things would happen. Like if the steam turns blue, that is danger!

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