“Shows like 'Top Chef,' 'Hell's Kitchen' have helped bring attention to...” — Geoffrey Zakarian Quote

Shows like 'Top Chef,' 'Hell's Kitchen' have helped bring attention to the culinary world on a whole, but you have to be cautious it doesn't get out of hand.

I'm a freak of neat. The kitchen has to be clean.

Days off are few and far between in the restaurant business. But on an hour off, I like to have a glass of wine with my wife.

I always request a king-size bed, and if I can't, I try to work that out right after I land. I unpack immediately so the clothes don't get wrinkled. I go the gym. I adjust the temperature; I like the room kind of warm. And then turn on CNBC.

I tend to be cautious and rational, prone to keep everything under control.

I probably should be a little more cautious with how I speak, and I think my delivery needs to be a little softer.

My mother's side taught me to be a little bit afraid of everything. For a long time, I was quiet and cautious. But shyness makes you notice other people's excruciations and feel for them. I think that made a writer of me.

We have to be cautious, we can't let negativity spread like wildfire.

I can't do the terrible mistake of thinking audiences are dumb and will accept anything I do. I want to be cautious about my choices.