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First of all, I can't really claim to be a great chef.

I believe no chef becomes what he becomes without having many people influence him.

Many of them have accomplished a lot before they ever get to 'Top Chef' although they're not well known. The show just provides them with a platform. There's just one winner and on some seasons you can get numerous chefs that are really good. Even if they don't win, they're all talented.

If you want to become a great chef, you have to work with great chefs. And that's exactly what I did.

Part of what makes a great chef is the ability to adapt, cook, and to taste. A great chef will use all their food knowledge, food memories, and senses to work with each ingredient and apply themselves to the dish they are creating.

Chefs are leaders in their own little world.

'Chef' doesn't mean that you're the best cook, it simply means 'boss.'

A great chef is an artist that I truly respect.

I wasn't that great a chef, and I don't think I'm that great a writer.

When you look at a kitchen, you tend to see that the people who are doing really well are those who have worked with the same chef or stayed in one restaurant for a significant amount of time.