Charlie Trotter

I couldn’t really relate to the fraternity or party scene, to the people out in the mall every day protesting one thing or another. I felt like there was no one I could relate to.

What I was reading was already part of my psyche, but finally someone else was saying it’s okay to walk alone.

A jazz musician can improvise based on his knowledge of music. He understands how things go together. For a chef, once you have that basis, that’s when cuisine is truly exciting.

Chefs, as a whole, say yes to any project, fundraiser, or tasting because they have such a generous spirit.

One must know combinations, one must have a true knowledge of food to be in the moment.

All four elements were happening in equal measure – the cuisine, the wine, the service, and the overall ambience. It taught me that dining could happen at a spiritual level.

Students need to learn how to think critically, how to argue opposing ideas. It is important for them to learn how to think. You can always cook.