Have fun. Do something nobody else had done before, or has done since.

Cajun is country food by farmers and fisherman that arrived in Louisiana from Acadiana, Canada.

The bad part about being recognized is that when I walk into a restaurant and sit down, I've got to eat everything on the plate, whether it's good or bad. People would take it as an insult if I did otherwise.

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 would work as a cook, get a little money, then open another restaurant.

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

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