“I find that there are a lot of similarities between French and Japanese food. I think they're two countries that have really systemized their cuisine and codified it.”

“Cooking and gardening involve so many disciplines: math, chemistry, reading, history.”

“Fear is a driving force for most of the things that I do. I don't know if that's healthy.”

“If people think you are this amazing, own it.”

“I love chicken. I love chicken products: fried chicken, roasted chicken, chicken nuggets - whatever. And going to Japan, I would see that these chicken were smoked and then grilled and then have this amazing crispy skin.”

“Growing up, my dad owned a restaurant in Washington, DC, and food was something I was passionate about. But when I finally got into it, I felt like it was so late in the game; that's why I worked seven days a week at Craft and Mercer Kitchen. I wanted to see how far I could take it.”

“Why can't it be awesome to work for a food company? Why can't we create an environment where people are trying to push each other to do great things, and we're not trying to steal from anybody - we're trying to be good to our farmers and run an honorable business, if there is such a thing anymore?”

“I think the basic thing that home cooks can learn how to do is just season properly... If the home cook realized how little salt they use compared to what's needed, it would make their food taste better.”

“I find that there are a lot of similarities between French and Japanese food. I think they're two countries that have really systemized their cuisine and codified it.”

“America is a country of abundance, but our food culture is sad - based on huge portions and fast food. Let's stop with the excuses and start creating something better.”

“People are getting famous now for serving food out of a truck, or for, well, pork buns. I don't know if I'm really pleased to be a part of that. I'm somewhat terrified of what the future holds, especially in America.”