I can now focus on a huge audience through TV, books, cookware and foods.

I was pleasantly surprised after the book came out. It was like, hey, the home team put down a nice score.

At times, it was an incredible blessing to have all the attention; at times it was a logistical nightmare.

Be curious, learn and read as much as you can about food. Don't worry about making money. Focus on learning at various venues before you settle down for a steady position.

In all my work I like to convey the fact that I like cooks, that it's noble toil and that it is hard.

There really is a camaraderie among chefs and a willingness to help out whenever we can.

Just over 800 people were gathered around the cooking stage, all eager to learn about my five-minute flavor cooking. The demonstration had to be done right then and there, in front of everyone.