What were your favorite foods growing up?
French fries or Pomme frites for grown ups. My mom said it was the one food I wouldn't share.

When did you first learn to play poker? How did you develop it into a career?
As a kid. I watched my dad and brother play. It was in my home. It developed into a career after I really taught myself with play money on Full Tilt Poker.com, then made 2 World Series of Poker final tables.

Being on the road a lot, do you cook often?
When I'm home I cook 5/7 nights. I love to cook.

If you didn't become a poker player, what would you be?
A stylist. I style everyone in my life for free.

Who/what has shaped your cooking the most over the years?
I basically taste a dish at a restaurant and try to replicate it. I love Todd Wilbur. I had all his cookbooks then met him on a plane and we became friends.

How would you describe your favorite cuisine to make?
Cuisine - I'm not sure. I'm a chicken addict.

What influences your cooking style?
Health in general. I try to cook with olive oil and keep carbs down to a minimum.

What are your favorite culinary weapons in the kitchen?
Great knives, a must!!!!!

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
I use everything fresh. I shop everyday. It makes a huge difference in taste and quality.

What is the meal you think you make the best?
Coin flip. Chicken soup or wild mushroom. Whenever my kids are sick (or healthy) they want it.

What sort of foods do your kids enjoy eating?
My kids eat everything. I raised them to just appreciate a good meal.

What was the most challenging meal you had to make? Why?
Beef Wellington. I was so worried it wasn't cooked to the right temperature inside that it would be too well done.

What's the worst job you've had?
I cooked food at Roy Rogers, but I loved it!!! It was my first real paycheck. The job was a bit dirty.

What is your least favorite food?
Scallops. I hate them.

What is your beverage of choice?
Pellegrino or Ace of Spades Champagne.

What are some recent dining and culinary trends you have been observing?
Health and calories on menus, it really makes you stop and think.

When you are not eating at home, where are you eating?
New York City. I have an apartment there. My best friend and makeup artist lives there. There's always somewhere new to try.

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
I had a man bring me fried chicken and champagne to my home for dinner. What more in life could you ask for?

What is your best cooking tip for a home enthusiast?
Be prepared. Have all your ingredients out and measured. Clean as you go.

What do you eat when you are home?
Fish, chicken, seafood once a week, I crave meat. My daughter and I gave it up but it didn't last that long. I treat my kids every other week to a pasta dish.