We never really know what people are capable of until the only person they can rely on is themselves. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
Pastry school is great for a foundation and introducing you to basic techniques, but it is really up to the chefs to practice, practice, practice and refine their techniques. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
It’s funny, you know, growing up, you are always introduced to people as your uncle this or your aunt that or your cousin this. By the time I was in my 20s, I had no idea who I actually was or wasn’t related to. It’s kind of a running joke in the family. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
If you would ask me some of the ingredients that people are surprised by that could appear on my menu are such things as bleu cheese, vegetables like parsnips and rutabaga, bacon, pork fat, fois gras, truffles, and olives. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
Part of what makes a great chef is the ability to adapt, cook, and to taste. A great chef will use all their food knowledge, food memories, and senses to work with each ingredient and apply themselves to the dish they are creating. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
I am not a shock jock pastry chef. I don’t create desserts using strange ingredients just for the sake of doing so, like so many of my colleagues in the industry. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
Chocolate is the go-to ingredient for many people. It is the thing people crave when they are happy and celebrate; it is also the go-to ingredient for many people when we are sad or depressed. It makes us feel better. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
A savory chef must first master his knife skills and understand the basics of sauces and soups, etc., before he/she may move on to become a great chef. It is no different for pastry chefs. If you do not have a strong foundation and are a master of the basics, then you will never be that strong – you will never be a master of the trade – period. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
I actually have a pig collection in my cabin: all types of old wood hand-carved pigs that my mom started for me as a housewarming gift. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
I played every sport in high school for one year. If I couldn’t be great at it, I quit. I would rather not do it than be average. Johnny Iuzzini Read Quote
