What were your favorite foods growing up? Why?
Steak & mashed potatoes because they tasted good.

What are your least favorite foods? Why?
I hate cottage cheese. My mom went through a phase of loving it and I never did, didn't like the consistency.

What is your beverage of choice?
Coffee with half & half, no sugar, or Perrier.

Where and when did your love for food begin?
Around the time I started on solids?

What are some tips you have for at home foodies?
Buy the freshest ingredients possible, and avoid processed/packaged items.

What was the most challenging meal you've made? Why? Actually my biggest bug-bear is plating the food so that it looks restaurant-worthy. I'm still working on that.

How has being on Housewives of New York affected the way you see food, if at all?
I don't get to see food nearly as often as I'd like because we're so busy filming, doing press and trying to keep tabs on the rest of our lives!

How does having a family influence your cooking?
I want to instill good eating habits in the kids, so I watch what I eat in order to set a good example. Nevertheless, because both our boys are going through a picky eating phase, I often wind up making two meals for two instead of one meal for four.

Do you have a signature dish?
Braised lamb shanks with potatoes au gratin and ratatouille

What is your favorite spice on the rack?
Thyme -- I love the way it smells.

What are your favorite culinary weapons in the kitchen?
My wok, the big huge Dutch Oven, and skinny cookie sheets that can go in side-by-side

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
Organic minced garlic from Fairway. It's my one big shortcut.

Have you ever thought about opening a restaurant or writing a cookbook?
Restaurant, no...cookbook...stay tuned!

What food tip, trick or technique would you give to a busy mom or dad?
Learn to make a few great dishes in bulk (we do Bolognese sauce, Chicken Tikka Masala and Pot au Feu) and freeze by one meal portions. When you leave for work in the morning, take out what you want to have that night and leave it on the counter during the day -- you can heat up and get it on the table in 15-20 minutes when you come home!

When you are not at home, where do you eat?
wd~50, Bar Tabac, Jolie or Olana.