I wanted to learn everything I could about what it takes to be a great chef. It was a turning point for me.

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.

The law of diminishing returns is something I really believe in.

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.

I think that you’ve got to make something that pleases you and hope that other people feel the same way.

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

Hopefully, imparting what's important to me, respect for the food and that information about the purveyors, people will realize that for a restaurant to be good, so many pieces have to come together.