Prep things in advance so that you don't have to cook everything at the last moment.

Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors - it's how you combine them that sets you apart.

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

I would say that I mostly use Kosher Salt for seasoning my water and flour. I love sea salt, too. I think both are just fine, as long as it's not iodized salt.

When I was 27, if I didn't put 15 things in one dish I wasn't happy.

There's a lot of processed food in America and I know that can make some tourists who're used to fresh food feel sick.

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?"