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

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.

I have real admiration for chefs who can maintain an edge and find new inspiration in their cooking after many years.

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.

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

If you aren't born here, to be a real New Yorker, you have to bring your talent, be a successful mentor, and support the New Yorkers who made the city by giving back.