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

Les Saveurs de Daniel Boulud.

When we manage a restaurant, we start making money from the first day. When we own a place, it's often five years before we earn the first penny that is clean of debt.

My plumbing is no one's business but my own.

After my own for instance, my favourite is Princess Leia.

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