You've been living in New York for a while, but you grew up in Kentucky. What's been the biggest difference?
Well, I lived here from the time I was 9 till I was 14. We walked everywhere, it wasn't as clean, and there were homeless people talking to us. As an adult, people come to New York to be somebody, with a sense of, like, aggression and fight. It's more laid-back back home.

What's still the most country thing about you?
Maybe the way I cook! [Laughs.] Like hodgepodge, use everything in your refrigerator, see what you can make out of it. Everything has a sauce; everything's oversautéed. I really don't know what friends think of my cooking — they probably all lie to me! But come on … mashed potatoes and overcooked green beans with bacon bits, what's better than that?

Anything besides your cooking?
The way I speak, the way I carry myself. Sort of like sweet southern charm, but also, "don't mess with me." You don't dick with a Kentucky chick.

Do you do anything in New York to remind yourself of home?
I like to go to Delta Grill. Restaurants like Hogs & Heifers definitely give me that same vibe! And being outside, going to Woodstock upstate or Connecticut. I ran a lot growing up, at the horse park and through fields and things. I'd have keg parties in the middle of fields. Keepin' it classy!
—Rebecca Milzoff