I was 25 years old when I arrived in D.C. It was just myself and two people who worked and helped me in the kitchen. I was only cooking for three people most of the time.

I have real admiration for chefs who can maintain an edge and find new inspiration in their cooking after many years.

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 D.C. has always been very, very vibrant for food. Like Boston in a way. Boston and D.C. were really the two cities that were the most active with their local chefs and their local food scene.

I've always loved it in Las Vegas, and it is the only city in the world that brings so many different talented people from so many places.

The doctor who diagnosed me with ALS, or motor neuron disease, told me that it would kill me in two or three years.