10 Thoughts from Francois Payard

One thing you don't know about me is that I'm not always so serious.

I'm most proud of turning 40 and still keeping my mind young, riding a motorcycle and having fun.

My fondest memory is the day when Payard opened in Caesars Palace and I joined the big chefs in Las Vegas.

If there was no chocolate I'd have no reason to live.

My greatest inspiration is proving to my parents that being the middle child is not so bad.

If I were on death row, my last meal would be the best sushi I could get.

The thing I hate most about this business is having to repeat myself and feeling like a broken record.

If I could change one thing about me it would be to balance life and work better.

My idea of a perfect day is relaxing in Rio De Janeiro and realizing that there is more to life than work.

If I could do it all over again I'd set up shop in a cabana on the beach. No headaches!