The simpler the food, the harder it is to prepare it well. You want to truly taste what it is youre eating. So that goes back to the trend of fine ingredients. Its very Japanese: Preparing good ingredients very simply, without distractions from the flavor of the ingredient itself. – Joel Robuchon

In France today, people no longer eat as much heavy food and fat as they did 15 or 20 years ago. These days, French cooking, through the influence of grande cuisine, has become a bit lighter. And we are beginning to discover the original flavors of our produce. – Joel Robuchon

Southeast Asia food uses many different types of spices which are quite new to me, like the curry leaves which I saw at the Kreta Ayer wet market in Chinatown. With such spices used in cooking, this usually imparts a strong aroma to Southeast Asian food, which appeals to the senses. – Joel Robuchon