A quarter century of running a restaurant - that's a long time to do one thing. — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
The idea that you have to pursue greatness... it's up to you; it's your life. — Charlie Trotter Greatness Copy Share Image
Fernand Point's philosophy instilled what cuisine is all about: generosity and hugeness of heart. — Charlie Trotter Cuisine Copy Share Image
Chefs, as a whole, say yes to any project, fundraiser, or tasting because they have such a generous spirit. — Charlie Trotter Chef Copy Share Image
The art of cooking is among the most intimate things that we can do for another. — Charlie Trotter Art Copy Share Image
I'm really not that comfortable with people. I mean, I love individuals, but I'm not very social. — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
I have a certain point of view, a certain way to plate food, certain ingredients that I like to use. — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
When I graduated I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn't want a conventional career. — Charlie Trotter Career Copy Share Image
I got on a Dostoyevsky kick right after college. I started with 'Crime and Punishment,' went on to 'The Possessed' and then… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
In my case, vertical food was less about standing things up than layering things: more an attempt to gain texture by weaving… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
Ultimately, I want to prepare food that will be recognized equally in Tokyo, London, and Paris. I am after that universality, that… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
Life's too short. You may be on this planet for 80 years at best or who knows, but you can't just pedal… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
My fantasy is to have a restaurant where there are no written menus, but where you just ask people, 'What are you… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
I don't ever want to lose that mind-set where you've got to be able to realize different ideas-slash-fantasies-slash-possibilities in your life. — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
I don't understand people who spend their twenties hanging out in bars and going to football game. That stuff is so boring… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
Always make stock in a large quantity and freeze it in plastic bags. That way, when you want to make a nice… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
It's a lot harder to get people to 'ooh' and 'aah' over beets and carrots than it is to get them to… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
Maybe it's good to be traumatized in your youth, to make you think differently and step outside the box. Anybody can be… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
I have always looked at it this way: If you strive like crazy for perfection - an all-out assault on total perfection… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
Sometimes I think I should have chosen a line of work where it was just me alone in the room, with the… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
I took the obligatory economics classes in school, but I've long been a fan of the Milton Friedman philosophy and its libertarian… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
If you go around the kitchen and ask my employees what they want to be doing in three to five years, most… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
The body cannot produce enzymes in perfect combinations to metabolize your foods as completely as the food enzymes created by nature do.… — Charlie Trotter Body Copy Share Image
Well, I kind of think that the opposite is true. The customer is rarely right. And that is why you must seize… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
My parents couldn't be looser. It was the ultimate laissez faire upbringing. — Charlie Trotter Father Copy Share Image
I wasnt using college as a stepping stone to law school or some other career. I just wanted a liberal-arts education. — Charlie Trotter Art Copy Share Image
To me, searching for perfection isn't anywhere near as interesting as trying to find your own voice. — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
I would always be embarrassed to read out loud in class because I would transpose words and letters and things. — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
For over 20 years, I have been saying that Chicago is by far one of the greatest food cities in the world. — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
I have a goal so lofty it's almost embarrassing to talk about. And that's to be the best restaurant in the world. — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
I don't know how to put this gently, but I'm trying to tackle the biggest question of all, which is the God… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
As tough as I've been on anybody, as hard as I've ever been on anybody, I have been harder on myself. By… — Charlie Trotter Copy Share Image
