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You know how the old saying goes: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” These Shakespearean words of wisdom are especially true for acclaimed New York City chef Joe Isidori, the executive chef and owner of Arthur & Sons. His elevated Italian cuisine has received accolades from The New York Times, Time Out NY, and New York Magazine in addition to a coveted Michelin star. That list is pretty impressive on its own, and all the more so when you consider that Isidori never really wanted to be a chef.

Isidori opened up about his culinary journey recently while chatting exclusively with film director Joe Russo on Tasting Table’s “Shared Tastes” series. The two discussed great Italian cuisine, the importance of family, and storytelling through food — and Isidori sure had a story to tell. At one point Russo asked the chef when exactly he fell in love with food. “I can’t pinpoint that,” Isidori admitted, adding, “I was born into this.” The chef went on to explain how his successful culinary career wasn’t the path he set out for himself, but rather something that was forced upon him by his family’s legacy. All these years later, Isidori can laugh at the truth of his father’s words, ringing in his ears since childhood: “Chicken Parmesan pays the bills.”