Marcus Samuelsson

“For many of us, clean water is so plentiful and readily available that we rarely, if ever, pause to consider what life would be like without it.”

“As people of color, it took a whole generation in many ways to get us out of the kitchen, and it's gonna take us the same whole generation to get us back into the kitchen and have ownership of restaurants, hotels and stuff like that.”

“Just like keeping a healthy diet is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods is just as important for getting the most out of your workout.”

“I am many different things, and that is why I am so proud to be American.”

“Clean water and access to food are some of the simplest things that we can take for granted each and every day. In places like Africa, these can be some of the hardest resources to attain if you live in a rural area.”

“In Ethiopia, food is often looked at through a strong spiritual lens, stronger than anywhere else I know. It's the focal point of weddings, births and funerals and is a daily ceremony from the preparation of the meal and the washing of hands to the sharing of meals.”

“I would love to take a cooking class from Gandhi. Maybe I could teach him how to cook, and he could teach me his message. I wouldn't mind learning how to make couscous from scratch from a North African woman, either.”

“Healthy can be the new good. Eating delicious should not be sacrificed because it's healthy.”

“Pot lucks are fun, especially when you encourage your guests to bring dishes that represent their families or cultures.”

“The darker the chocolate is, the more antioxidants it contains. So when eaten in moderation - just a few bites from a well-made dark chocolate bar, for instance - there's no need to feel bad about indulging once in a while.”

“While I hold my own political views, it's important not to get too wrapped up in individual candidates and personalities, but instead to focus on the real issues.”

“It's key to know which essential foods will keep you going and help your body recover after hard work.”

“I love chicken. But, like a lot of chefs and cooks, I get tired of preparing it the same way.”

“I'm a firm believer that people find their own passions.”

“We know so much about the European food story, and we're getting to know about the American food story; but we know so little about the African food story.”

“I always suggest something fast and simple so you have more time to share with friends; and when we think of the ultimate food to serve for a football game, only one thing comes to mind - wings!”

“Chefs don't eat at normal hours, so the only time you feel like you really need a meal is after service, when you're exhausted and just crave something to help you wind down.”

“I had a long-lasting love affair with the flavors from Japan and the hustling New York street vendors. And, of course, a life-changing return to Ethiopia has made huge impacts on my life in food.”

“We can all agree that government can't solve the obesity crisis alone. It's an ongoing issue that will require a collaborative effort across private and public sectors if we want to see some long-term success.”

“Criticism is part of the creative man's journey, and I appreciate it.”