Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux Daniel Humm is the executive chef of Eleven Madison Park, where he creates modern, sophisticated French cuisine that emphasises purity, simplicity and seasonal flavours and ingredients. A classicist who embraces contemporary gastronomy, Daniel’s delicate and precise cooking style is experienced through a constantly evolving menu. The restaurant’s dramatically high ceilings and magnificent art deco dining room are the ideal backdrop for Daniel’s delicious, artful cuisine.
Manhattan’s culinary wonder kid struck gold in 2011 with the acquisitionof Eleven Madison Park with business partner Will Guidara. Daniel hadbeen the executive chef of Eleven Madison Park since 2008, when hewas named Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.
It was in 2003 that Daniel moved to the US from his native Switzerlandand became the executive chef at Campton Place in San Francisco. Three years later he moved to New York to become the executive chefat Eleven Madison Park where he has been cooking with the very finestEast Coast ingredients ever since.In 2012 Daniel and Will opened an outlet at New York’s NoMad Hoteland in 2013 the duo released Eleven Madison Park: The Cookbookand I Love New York: Ingredients and Recipes.
Describe your culinary philosophy in 5 words…
Simplicity, seasonality, endless reinvention, fresh, fun
What is your greatest inspiration?
My mother. She introduced me to food at a very young age, bringing me to the farmer’s market, having me help her prepare meals in the kitchen, and sparking my passion for good food. Whether I was shucking peas, or talking with local farmers, it my understanding of food. Those simple moments from when I was a child still inspire me today.
If you could take a plan ride to any restaurantin the world, just for one meal, where would you go?
If I was able to get a direct flight right there, I’d love to go to Faviken again in Sweden. I ate there last year and the entire experience was outstanding; from the food, to the atmosphere, and the location. But it just takes a long time to finally get there, so a direct flight would be a huge time saver!
- 3 Michelin Stars- Eleven Madison Park
- No4 The World’s Best Restaurants 2013
- AAA Five Diamond Award
11 Madison Ave,
New York10010
+1 2128890905
Pictures ©Francesco Tonelli