"It's very important to me that people who are actual chefs and other professionals in the culinary world, understand that I'm not, and have never held myself out as being, like a CIA trained chef"

In this quote, Ted Allen is highlighting the significance of being sincere and transparent about his cooking experience. He is making it clear that he is not an expertly skilled chef, and has actually never ever claimed to be one. He wishes to ensure that chefs and other experts in the culinary world understand that he is not a skilled chef, which he has actually never ever provided himself as one. This quote shows that Ted Allen knows the value of being sincere and transparent about his experience and knowledge in the culinary world. He wishes to make sure that he is not misrepresenting himself, which he is not taking credit for something he has actually not earned. This quote also reveals that Ted Allen is respectful of the cooking occupation and the effort and devotion that enters into becoming an expertly skilled chef.