"I would say 3-, 4-, 5-year olds -- if we don't catch them at that early age, we do risk losing them to all kinds of propaganda, whether it's conservative, religious or fundamentalist, " Kuttab said.

CNN: Reaching the next generation with 'Muppet diplomacy'

At his age, he says, he can't tie up all of his dough in long-term deals.

WSJ: A Nervy Approach to Retirement Saving | WSJ.Money Summer 2013

But even acclaim from a chef couldn't compare with what else was happening at the table: Three kids, all under the age of 10, had tried the mussels.

NPR: Mussels Made Easy