The way we subsidize food makes it cheaper to go to McDonald's and get a hamburger than a salad, and that's insane. It's pure government policy.

The biggest thing you can do is understand that every time you're going to the grocery store, you're voting with your dollars. Support your farmers' market. Support local food. Really learn to cook.

A whole set of values comes with fast food: Everything should be fast, cheap and easy; there's always more where that came from; there are no seasons; you shouldn't be paid very much for preparing food. It's uniformity and a lack of connection.

Food culture is like listening to the Beatles - it's international, it's very positive, it's inventive and creative.

Whenever I want to know how to cook something, I can't ask one chef - I have to ask six.

I used to do calligraphy, and I'm afraid that has lapsed, but I've always been interested in book printing.

If I weren't involved with food, I'd be working in architecture. Design is that critical to me.

I wanted people to come to the restaurant and feel at home, so I put it in a house.

My kitchen has a wood-burning oven, a large worktable, and windows all around, including one above the sink. I think whoever is washing the dishes needs to have a lot of beauty around.