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.

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 know from personal experience, if a chef yelled at me in a kitchen, the first thing I'd want to do is hit them with a pot.

I don't really like money - I like the things you can buy with money.

I have very good knife skills. I learned to butcher on my second job - I was 18 years old. Every other day we would break down six legs of veal.

Once you have your basics down, you can start breaking the rules.

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