How did you get your start in culinary TV and journalism?
I am the person who invented the concept of interviewing people and eating while on TV. My show at that time was on at lunchtime, and I figured people at home were eating during that time. So, once a week we dined at a roundtable on the show live. Afterward, I did a radio show for a year working on the concept of food as entertainment which helped me get on the Food Network.

What is the best part of your job?
The food world is a generous place and I like the people in it. Plus, getting paid to eat and drink and traveling to great places is not bad either.

What did you learn from hosting various cooking shows?
Allow meat to rest when you take it out of oven — especially your Thanksgiving turkey. We never did that growing up. No wonder the adults were always saying it was too dry!

Please tell me a little about your books.
My novel is At First Sight, a romantic and comedic novel, and my most recent book is a motivational book, Got What It Takes?: Successful People Reveal How They Made It to the Top, which offers advice from 44 highly successful people including the Maccioni family from Le Cirque, Bobby Flay and Daniel Boulud.

What are your favorite foods?
Peanut butter, cheese, compote, cedar plank wild salmon, brussel sprouts and on and on..

What is your least favorite food?
Olives. Odd, I like olive oil, but I dislike olives of any kind.

What is your beverage of choice?
A chocolate milk shake, dry white wine or seltzer

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?
Pinot Noir and Parmesean cheese

If you didn't become a TV host/journalist what would you be?
Very frustrated

How would you describe your "hosting style"?
Naturalistic with emphasis on making guest comfortable, hence eating, drinking and interviewing. Although, truth be told, I never drink on camera, but off camera — it's Miller Time.

Where is your favorite place to eat?
At Anse Chastanet Hotel in St Lucia and the rear deck of the Crystal Serenity cruise ship

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
Opening night at Nobu in New York City with Nobu preparing all of the food

What do you eat when you are home?
The most healthy food possible — cardboard, bark, fresh fish, steamed vegetables. No sauce or salt ever at home.

What is your best advice for an aspiring TV host?
Try to keep your weight under 400 pounds. Then, find the smallest possible outlet for your work. If you have no job, simply do it and do it for free if necessary.