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

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.

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.

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.

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

There are worse prisons than words.

The theory of karma exists not to bring fear to your heart but to ensure you do not lose hope and give up at the first obstacle that hits your path.

The wonderful thing about Food for Thought is that it lets you keep your hand in theater and be in front of a live audience without a commitment of six months, or even three months.

Nobody ever says, "Can I have your beets?

But Basquiat is the first thing I've done that I'm really proud of.

We aren't trying to make poetry or anything beautiful. It's just a rock show. We just want to enjoy playing loud. That's just about it.

we shed the skins of who we used to be!

Once upon a time I owned a watermelon.

I don't think I have ever created an entire fiction piece or followed a historical piece and made that into a sermon.

Silent guns have virtue.