You're getting to know who the great chefs are through their books.

But once in a while you might see me at In and Out Burger; they make the best fast food hamburgers around.

I wonder if I love the communal act of eating so much because throughout my childhood, with four older brothers and a mom who worked in the restaurant business, I spent a lot of time fending for myself, eating alone - and recognizing how eating together made all the difference.

You don't know when inspiration is going to come. But you have to be aware of what's going on around you, so that at any moment, when inspiration happens, you're ready for it and you interpret it.

I don't think you could have a 7 with a manual. But I can't see having a BMW sports sedan without a manual.

Even the most astute chefs seek out the assistance of Celine Labaune, owner of Gourmet Attitude, because they know they can rely on her keen senses and deep understanding of the truffle trade.

My childhood wasn't full of wonderful culinary memories.