Chef Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park and the restaurant at the Nomad Hotel, has now added another title to his resume: Author. Keeping with the theme of his new book, I Love New York: Ingredients and Recipes (Ten Speed Press), we asked the cook about his favorite parts of New York.
Where do you live?
I live in Montclair, NJ, just about 30 minutes outside of the city. I’ve lived in and around New York for about seven years. I grew up in Switzerland.
What is your favorite restaurant, café, bar, lounge or club?
It’s hard to pick favorites but I love Neta for sushi, Franny’s and Motorino for pizza, Katz’s for amazing pastrami sandwiches, Russ & Daughters for smoked fish, PDT and Milk & Honey for cocktails. For a fancy night out, Daniel.
Where do you go to buy groceries, cheese, produce, wine or desserts?
I love Murray’s for cheese and charcuterie. For produce, there’s nothing better than the Union Square Greenmarket.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
I love the neighborhoods around Madison Square Park—Flatiron and NoMad. They have so much history and are home to so many New York moments.
What is your favorite cultural institution?
I love spending time at the New York Public Library—they have an incredible collection of menus from all over New York.
Where is your favorite place to walk around?
Walking or running through Central Park gives me time to think and clear my head. It’s amazing that this expense of greenery exists in the middle of such a chaotic city.
What is your favorite hotel?
I know I’m biased, but definitely the NoMad.
Who is your favorite New Yorker?
Miles Davis. He moved to New York after graduating from high school to go to Julliard and had such an amazing influence on music. He’s one of the greatest sources of inspiration for me.
What do you love most about NYC?
I love that New York is a place where people aren’t afraid to take risks, where people come to see if they really have what it takes to make it. I love that it’s a place filled with so much history but that is also constantly innovating and trying its hand at something new. I love that it’s home to one of the greatest cities in the world and also to one of the richest agricultural landscapes I’ve ever seen. I love its natives and its visitors and the fact that they all appreciate good food.
