Now everybody thinks that once you do Top Chef, then 13 weeks later you're a chef. Nobody wants to learn to cook anymore.

I left school when I was 14 to work in kitchens.

A lot of restaurants serve good food, but they don't have very good service.

I like the Japanese knives, I like French knives. Whatever's sharp.

For me, I don't expect to have a really amazing meal each time I dine out. Having a good meal with your loved ones - that's what makes the experience.

I like to be firm. But it is easier to be nice than to be nasty.

Now everybody thinks that once you do Top Chef, then 13 weeks later you're a chef. Nobody wants to learn to cook anymore.