Bravotv.com: You won the Quickfire. Is your palate something you pride yourself on?
Yeah, I mean definitely. Your palate's what makes you good ....

Bravotv.com: Do you think a palate can be trained or do you think it's just something you're born with?
I haven't really given that one much thought. I mean I think in some ways, it's something you're trained with especially if you use the verbiage to what it is that you're tasting. So it's kind of just being around it, and being around good quality products also really helps. I was trained in a really great kitchen that always had really, really high quality products, so you kind of know what to look for ....

Bravotv.com: Ming Tsai was the guest judge. Do you have any thoughts on him?
Yes -- I'm a huge fan. He basically brought Asian cuisine and made it fine dining in the United States.