Vegetables to me are - I don't want to say the most exciting part of cooking, but certainly a very exciting part of cooking, because they continue to change. They come into season and they go through different phases.

Anyone can make a good roast chicken.

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

Its not about passion. Passion is something that we tend to overemphasize, that we certainly place too much importance on. Passion ebbs and flows. To me, it's about desire. If you have constant, unwavering desire to be a cook, then u'll be a great cook.

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

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

I think that's the important thing - being aware of that inspiration and being able to interpret it into something that's meaningful for you.