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.

And don't forget music - music in the kitchen is an essential ingredient!

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.

A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.

For me, thats one of the important things about cooking. What was good enough yesterday may not be good enough today.

I didnt want to be encumbered by what anyone elses abilities were, their equipment or environment or their ability to get certain products.

A kaiseki meal is like that, very small courses over a long period of time.