I can't deliver lines, but I can talk about food all night long.

I think the patterns are set very early when the kids are young. But at the same time, there are some flavors kids just don't like.

Too often, chefs just want to experiment - they want to use liquid nitrogen before they know how to use heat.

A lot of professions happen to be male-dominated because women drop out at a certain point. It's unfortunate.

Many of them have accomplished a lot before they ever get to 'Top Chef' although they're not well known. The show just provides them with a platform. There's just one winner and on some seasons you can get numerous chefs that are really good. Even if they don't win, they're all talented.

I think the most effective way to run a kitchen is to teach, not to just yell.

As a chef, I had started working with groups like Share Our Strength and various local food banks in New York, raising money for hunger-related issues. And not only me, but the entire restaurant industry has been very focused on this issue.