I love celery and people don't use it a lot. Celery and flavors in that family - it really brightens and is refreshing.

Spices are very hot, very hip. I love spices. I've always loved the Mediterranean flavors.

I think a lot of people have a misconception of what the kitchen is about, but you know the grueling part of it is also the pleasure of it. That's why I think you have to have a certain mentality to understand what that is and be able to handle it.

I use a lot of spices, fresh veggies and fruit, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, avocado, soybeans and organic ingredients as often as possible. We need fat in our diets and using the healthier fats is key.

For me, I love the flavors of Southern food, and people usually think of Southern food as heavy and fattening, but it doesn't have to be.

John Goodman's pretty dark - I love John Goodman.