The Sage Keller

While juggling Michelin stars, speaking engagements, movies, TV and everything else that gets thrown at him these days, sir Thomas Keller dispels some knowledge for today's young chefs: "Certainly, we must be dynamic and open to change. Success, for all of us, lies in adapting to meet new demands. Charles Darwin summed it up best: 'It is not the strongest of the species that survives . . . it is the one that is most adaptable to change.' But even while we must be flexible, we must also remain true to our core beliefs and philosophy." Finesse plus integrity is his mantra, which means it's OK to say no to French Laundry flavoring extracts, but yes to the china. [LAT]