I've leased the apartment; my partner is going to come out here. But we're keeping our house in Chicago because real estate is a really good investment and also because it is just crammed with full of stuff!

I think what I do differently from a lot of TV chefs is that I break down barriers and make fine food more accessible to the regular person, who might be intimidated. I try hard, particularly with wine, to make it not intimidating. It's sort of a teaching job.

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

If I have committed any culinary atrocities, please forgive me.

I like to have friends in the kitchen and make a big mess and use every pot in the kitchen.

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 cook everything. I love Mediterranean cooking, I love Asian cooking. I do lots of Japanese noodles.