I used to write cookbooks. It was passion to try to bring healthy and fun recipes to people's homes. It was a way to bring my home to theirs.

It's an interesting thing, Top Chef. Some of the contestants will make you one great dish, and then make you something on the next show that will make you say, "Is that the same person?"

It is so nice to talk to someone that has a passion for food and family.

I have two young boys, and my wife is at home. Most of the time, I will cook the food, and we'll eat together.

Collecting cookbooks is still my biggest passion! Believe it or not, I actually got the biggest form of inspiration from my kids. My kids do everything online. They would have their tablets in front of them watching hours upon hours of online videos. I came to understand that these videos were actually teaching my kids lots of different forms of information.

The most important thing for me is to really buy the best ingredient.

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