I think what I do differently from a lot of TV chefs is that I break down barriers and make fine food more accessible to the regular person, who might be intimidated. I try hard, particularly with wine, to make it not intimidating. Its sort of a teaching job. – Ted Allen

Ive always hoped Chopped would telegraph our enormous affection and love and admiration for chefs and food, but at the same time, we are inflicting extraordinary cruelty on them. – Ted Allen

Im a home cook and love to read about food, but Im not trained as a chef. Im just really into cooking and passionate about it. – Ted Allen