The culture of chefs is a melting pot, and I always say this - if we could put all the heads of state around a table, each representing their food culture, and then each take one bite of the other's and pass it to the right, and then explain the ideals and culture around those bites, our world problems would be easier to solve.

For years - especially in England where I come from - cooking was a subservient job. When I told my Dad I was going to be a cook, he wouldn't talk to me for two years. Even though it was associated with my military service, he thought cooking was beneath me.

I've never been a competition guy.

The sharing of food is like breaking bread, it's very symbolic.

America was built on immigrants, and what they bring 'to the table.'

When I'm on the road, I'll break my exercise into a cardio session and a weights session.

Every time I tour military outlets, I dedicate the food, fitness and set-ups to their service, because it all came to me through the military.