I think fine dining should be part of the community where it is, more than just for the people who are going to make a special occasion.

I think a nice romantic dinner should be saved for when you and the girl you're dating or seeing have something special and it's a more special occasion.

It's a very special venue and a very special occasion.

I think at Le Cirque I learned how to make real food, which is what people crave, not just gimmicky things on a plate.

I think in France, for example, we can say whatever we want about the French, but going out and dining is more about the intellectual moment to share with the people you dine with than trying to figure out what the chef did with that little piece of salmon or lobster and all that.

In Italy, everybody buys silver for every special occasion. Baptisms, weddings, you get silver.