I grew up in a reform Jewish family in St. Louis. Our idea of Judaism was no bar mitzvahs and a Christmas tree that had a skirt at the bottom embroidered with the names of my grandparents.

Restaurants are like kids. You hope you understand their innate gifts, and then you let them realize their aspirations.

Museums are like sports stadiums, hotels and hospitals: they are in the category of captive-audience dining.

A great restaurant is one that just makes you feel like you're not sure whether you went out or you came home and confuses you. If it can do both of those things at the same time, you're hooked.

Short of hiring a new staff, consider giving subpar workers a chance to improve. Tell them why they're not measuring up and give them a set amount of time to make specific improvements.

Constant, gentle pressure is my preferred technique for leadership, guidance, and coaching.

It is sad that the more 'successful' a neighborhood becomes, the more it gradually takes on a recognizable, common look, as the same banks, drugstore chains and national brands move in.

Life is a series of waves to be embraced and overcome.

My dad gave me the gene to enjoy cooking, and to enjoy consuming good food and wine.

When a heart has set a course, let it navigate the laughter in failure and generosity in overcoming crisis. Love weaves lives and distills.

A good teacher does something more than teaching

God expects fruits from every calling, every talent and every gift

I realize now, I was learning how to walk as well. I haven’t mastered the steps, I fall too. But im on my path, my path... and one day that path... will take me to her.

One did not love revolution. One embraced it with horror for the sake of the deliverance to follow.

If you would reform the world from its errors and vices, begin by enlisting the mothers.

Connecting dots is not that rewarding of an experience.

If you wish to be good, first believe that you are bad.

Lying is too much trouble. You have to make sure to taste each word before letting it off your tongue. I hate that. It's hard enough making people understand without lying.

The trick to liking who you are is not to hate too much the person it turned out you weren't.