I had the lunchbox that cleared the cafeteria. I was very unpopular in the early grades. Because I hung out with my grandfather, I started to bring my lunchbox with sardine sandwiches and calamari that I would eat off my fingers like rings. I was also always reeking of garlic.

You know, food is such - it's a hug for people.

My first memory in life is grilling my thumb to the griddle in our restaurant on Cape Cod.

I used to say I would never run unless I was being chased by someone with a gun. Now I'm a little obsessed with it!

I write in freehand equivalents because measuring, to me, takes away from the creative process of cooking. Two turns of the pan with EVOO is about two tablespoons.

What I've learned is that at the end of the day, we are all human. We all have that in common.

I wish I could be as thin as Jessica Simpson. I think she looks gorgeous! I have had Jessica on my show several times, and I can tell you that girl is genuine and funny with a great self-deprecating sense of humor.