“For my 16th birthday, my family took me to L'Auberge de L'Ill, which w...” — Jean-Georges Vongerichten Quote

“For my 16th birthday, my family took me to L'Auberge de L'Ill, which was family-run but had three Michelin stars. It was a revelation. After that meal, I realised this is what I want to do.”

“I love cooking, but I love the business, too. It's important because a lot of chefs forget the business side and have to shut down after six months.”

“I have 20 restaurants. And if one doesn't work, it doesn't work.”

“The main prank that we play with props is for people's birthdays. The special effects people will put a little explosive in the cake so it blows up in their face - that's always fun to play on a guest star, or one of the trainees or someone who's new.”

“I didn't start auditioning until my 10th birthday when I auditioned for 'Matilda' The Musical in London! It was actually the first time I realized that it was a career I could pursue.”

“My happiest memory of childhood was my first birthday in reform school. This teacher took an interest in me. In fact, he gave me the first birthday presents I ever got: a box of Cracker Jacks and a can of ABC shoe polish.”