As a child growing up, it's going to be what you're going to remember most. What you liked or not liked then is going to define who you are at the table!

The biggest thing is education for young chefs and how they should focus on one cuisine rather than trying to imitate too many. It's like art - you can see the cycles from many past artists and new artists being inspired by past artists.

I try to pack light with a folding leather suit bag. Anything more than five days, I need to check in my luggage. What takes the most space? Chef jackets, aprons and tools.

If you're in a major city, there's a 25-year cycle. In Vegas, it's probably 10 or 15 years, except for those landmark places like Spago or Nobu. In Vegas, you have to reinvent yourself once in a while.

I have been surrounded by artists and paintings throughout my life. My father Ted Dyer is an artist, and from a very early age I have spent time painting and drawing.

The reason we fall in love with certain music and writing is we connect with it on a very personal level.

I've benefited enormously from an arts education and a music education in New York. When they cut the programs for funding, I was devastated.

Education and work are the levers to uplift a people.