From Japan to Thailand, I keep discovering amazing talent, cuisine and food markets.

I learned from my grandmother, because we were cooking a lot for the farm. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

After six years at Le Cirque, I decided to start my own business. I opened Daniel at 76th Street in May 93.

From Japan to Thailand, I keep discovering amazing talent, cuisine and food markets.

We are in the top five restaurants in New York. Daniel is about luxury. It's a luxury where when somebody has never come they maybe expect to be intimidated, but once they have the experience I think they feel this is a welcoming, fun and great experience to have. The menu, the price point, the level of service, and class we offer to people... I think it's incredible. Not every restaurant can be like that - it's a commitment, in terms of dedication to excellence.

Remember, it is never the knife's fault.

Receiving the president of the United States in your restaurant is a big thing. Obama came three times. There's a sense of pride when you're one of few who has had a chance to spend an evening with the president of the United States. Despite if he's Republican or Democrat, we accept them all. Also, I remember days when I had Julia Child coming, with close friends. I had a great relationship with Julia. So those moments are more of affection and admiration than of fancy pride.