I like to drink young wines, wines which are robust and have a lot of forward fruit to them. |
I think every young cook wants to write a book. |
I wanted to learn everything I could about what it takes to be a great chef. It was a turning point for me. |
I wanted to write about what we were doing at the French Laundry, the recipes and the stories. |
In any restaurant of this caliber, the chefs are in the same position, building relationships. |
It wasn't about mechanics; it was about a feeling, wanting to give someone something, which in turn was really gratifying. That really resonated for me. |
It's nice to have the restaurants close by. It makes them easier to control and keep an eye on. |
It's one thing you aspire to: someday, you'll be able to write a book. |
Let's face it: if you and I have the same capabilities, the same energy, the same staff, if the only thing that's different between you and me is the products we can get, and I can get a better product than you, I'm going to be a better chef. |
My childhood wasn't full of wonderful culinary memories. |
My favorite wines are Zinfandels. |
My god, I'm having a heart attack. |
No, it's funny, when I eat out it's not typically in the kind of restaurants people might imagine. |
Now the restaurants have begun to catch up with the wine-making; there are numerous great restaurants in Napa Valley, and it's wonderful because the people are there for just that: great food and great wine. |
Once you understand the foundations of cooking - whatever kind you like, whether it's French or Italian or Japanese - you really don't need a cookbook anymore. |