I am constantly inspired by non-cookbooks. Usually when they are taking place in parts of the world where I have never been. I also read a lot of books by entrepreneurs that are not in the restaurant industry. Two books come to mind: Russell Simmons: Life and Def: Sex, Drugs, Money, + God. Richard Branson's: Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way