I was on the show previously as a guest host, so I had a little practice.

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

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.

Talking up a storm about food is so easy for me, it's second nature.

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

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

I came literally to the table with a wealth of knowledge by simply understanding how food should taste.