What I bring to the table is a huge enthusiasm and love for this stuff.

I'm in a loft and the kitchen is in the very center of the apartment. The whole place revolves around it.

Cooking allows you to have travels, adventures and journeys without going anywhere. The running joke between my partner and me is that I'm not really concerned about how long it takes, or how much I destroy the kitchen, because I just have such a good time doing it.

For me, the kitchen is the most special room in the house. It's a place for adventure - not drudgery, but discovery, sharing and showing off with friends, trying new ideas.

Buying stock is exactly the same thing as going to a casino, only with no cocktail service.

When the idea of 'Chopped' surfaced, it was originally meant to be taped at some guy's mansion with him and his crazy Chihuahua. A stuffy fellow in a tuxedo was to host, and the losing chef's dish was then fed to the dog! I am not kidding, I saw it! I think it is genius! Twisted, but genius!

I really have a great deal of humility in that department, and a great deal of respect for people who spend their lives learning how to make these amazing preparations.