86 Quotes by Charlie Trotter

To me, searching for perfection isn't anywhere near as interesting as trying to find your own voice.

As tough as I've been on anybody, as hard as I've ever been on anybody, I have been harder on myself. By far.

The most successful food, I think, is food that both appeals to the super-sophisticated diner or foodie and to the lay diner at the same time.

My fantasy is to have a restaurant where there are no written menus, but where you just ask people, What are you in the mood for? Fish? Meat? White wine?

Life's too short. You may be on this planet for 80 years at best or who knows, but you can't just pedal around and do the same thing forever.

I wasn't using college as a stepping stone to law school or some other career. I just wanted a liberal-arts education.

I love faltering. I love, in a sense, coming up short. Because you learn nothing from success. You learn so much from failing.

Ultimately, I want to prepare food that will be recognized equally in Tokyo, London, and Paris. I am after that universality, that transcendence.

Students need to learn how to think critically, how to argue opposing ideas. It is important for them to learn how to think. You can always cook.