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.

Some of the recipes in the book have evolved for us. Many haven't.

In any restaurant of this caliber, the chefs are in the same position, building relationships.

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

Good food is a good trend.

Respect for food is respect for life, for who we are and what we do.

When I go out to eat, it's usually something moderate in style.