Only you can judge your life. You have to live up to your own expectations.

I love strong flavors too. Like I don't mind if it looks clean and clear and you know what you are eating if it has Italian, Chinese or Japanese flavor I love them all.

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

I grew up in Austria, and for me real comfort food is Wiener Schnitzel. Wiener Schnitzel and mashed potatoes because it reminds me of my youth... It reminds me when I grow up and it feels very comforting.

It was a revolution, but now it is an evolution. People know more ingredients, people know more techniques, and people look for more ingredients they've never looked for before. In the '80s, you couldn't find raw tuna in any restaurant that wasn't Japanese. Now, you can't find any restaurant without it or sashimi.

New Yorkers think they have everything, all the best art and music. But really L.A. is a better place.

It's easier being a judge than a competitor. As a judge, you don't have any risks. That makes it much more enjoyable.