1. Don’t be mean. It makes you hard to work with, and is that how you really want to be remembered?

2. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore. Yes, you might have the occasional mess, but you will also eat a lot of exquisite meals.

3. Live (and cook) from both the head and heart.

4. Be passionate and in love with what you do.

5. Taste your food before you serve it.

6. Admit when you’re wrong.

7. Chicago girls rule! (Yes, I was cheering for Stephanie!)