My mother was very strong. Once she picked up a coconut and smashed it against my father's head. It taught me about women defending themselves and not collapsing in a heap.

I love making Italian food. And coconut chicken.

We had an interesting thing at that first dinner. It was prior to the availability of several new hotels in Los Angeles and we were more or less committed to the old Ambassador Hotel that has the famous Coconut Grove.

A plant-based diet has actually simplified my life in so many ways. For breakfast I try to get my first serving of fruits and nuts for fuel. I'm completely addicted to coconut water for the electrolytes and hydration.