Welcome to a collection of profound insights and reflections by renowned chef Daniel Humm. As a culinary virtuoso and the visionary force behind some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, Humm’s journey embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in the realm of gastronomy. His unique approach to cuisine, blending tradition with avant-garde techniques, has earned him accolades and admiration from peers and patrons alike.
With a career that has spanned continents and garnered numerous accolades, Daniel Humm’s wisdom extends far beyond the kitchen. His words resonate with a depth of experience and a passion for pushing boundaries, inspiring chefs, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts alike to strive for greatness in their respective endeavors. Whether discussing the artistry of plating a dish or the philosophy behind his culinary creations, Humm’s insights offer invaluable lessons in creativity, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of Daniel Humm quotes, ripe for contemplation and inspiration.
I grew up in Zurich until I was 12, and I’ve always come to Vorderer Sternen for a sausage, a hunk of bread, and some mustard. Daniel Humm
The Rolling Stones seemed very loose and wild, but when you read about them, you realize that everything they did is very deliberate. Daniel Humm
I’ve been playing sports since I was five. For me, there’s no happier moment than when I’m out in the woods on a bike or a run. I feel on top of the world, and nothing else makes me feel that way. Daniel Humm
What I love about Thanksgiving is that it’s purely about getting together with friends or family and enjoying food. It’s really for everybody, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from. Daniel Humm
At Eleven Madison Park, instead of brioche or chocolates, we give our guests a jar of breakfast granola as a gift at the end of a meal. We also make savory granolas. Daniel Humm
It’s nice when there’s stuff in the middle of the table. That’s when the best conversations start to happen. Daniel Humm
I never finished high school. In fact, I hated going to school. Daniel Humm
I am honored to receive the James Beard award and so incredibly proud of my entire team at Eleven Madison Park. Daniel Humm
The perfect ham and cheese sandwich is all about focusing on quality ingredients and about simple techniques. You start with great bread, a well-cured ham and a sharp local cheese, and the rest is easy. A little butter in a pan and a little patience – in the end you’ll have a sandwich that is at once comforting and delicious. Daniel Humm
Just as food is a craft, great service is, too. It can take years to perfect the technical aspects of clearing a plate, carving tableside, or pouring wine, and a lifetime to master the emotional elements of service. Daniel Humm
I love eggs. Eggs are probably one of the most versatile things we work with. Daniel Humm
The New York Public Library is a wonderful gem. I go there to get away from the bustle of the city. They have an incredible collection of menus from all over the city. Daniel Humm
I would like to know more about how to cook Japanese food. I love it, but don’t know much about it. Daniel Humm
When you look at a kitchen, you tend to see that the people who are doing really well are those who have worked with the same chef or stayed in one restaurant for a significant amount of time. Daniel Humm
When I was a child, she’d have me wash the lettuce ten times or open walnuts by hand to make a cake. I was like, ‘Mom, this is ridiculous.’ But now? I run my kitchen the same way. Daniel Humm
I can’t hide where I grew up or the flavors I grew up on. Daniel Humm
I go to Franny’s in Brooklyn a lot. It’s just a casual Italian place, but I could eat there every day. Daniel Humm
We can use all the scientific tools, but it will never replace the palate or the talent of the chefs who are in the kitchen. Daniel Humm
The visual aspect of a dish is so important; the shapes and colors and overall design have to strike the right mood and convey the right idea. Daniel Humm
What people don’t think about when they think about New York is this amazing farmland that grows wonderful fruits, vegetables, seafood, game, and fowl just outside of Manhattan. Daniel Humm
People often think of New York as a city, a concrete jungle with soaring skyscrapers and yellow taxis and the bright lights of Times Square. And it is that, in part. But beyond that, it’s rolling hills of fruit orchards and fields of grain and ice-cold waters brimming with oysters. Daniel Humm
As I mature as a chef, I no longer aim to pack multiple techniques and ingredients into a single dish. Realizing that restraint is more difficult, I find it often renders incredibly beautiful results. Daniel Humm
We use many expressions of fennel: blended with potato, it’s an earthy, rich puree; the raw fronds add a fresh, green note; and the braised version gives it a luscious, home-cooked feel, something people can connect to – you need that in any dish. Daniel Humm
As people move further away from a meat-based diet, I think the focus will shift to using grains as the central focus of our food supply. Daniel Humm
Even if you are vegetarian, you do want to have a stuffing for Thanksgiving. The stuffing is not so much about the vegetables, but it’s very unique to the season. Daniel Humm
At my restaurant, we made a dessert called ‘milk and honey.’ It’s milk ice cream that looks like a snowball, and then you cut into it, and honey runs out. Daniel Humm
My dad was not happy about my not becoming an architect like him. Daniel Humm
No tablecloths, silver cutlery, fine porcelain, sommeliers, or deep wine lists – that’s fine. But no service or hospitality? That’s going too far. Daniel Humm
I think New York is truly unique in its singular combination of the quality of both the talent it attracts and the ingredients it grows. There are plenty of other places in the world with wonderful natural resources, but the people who come here to pursue their passions for food and cooking – they are one of a kind. Daniel Humm
Biking takes so much time. You need three hours to get in a good ride. In one hour, you can get in a good run. Daniel Humm
Whenever we create dishes, we work very carefully and ask ourselves, ‘Is there anything on the dish that really doesn’t make the dish better?’ Then we eliminate that. We try to stay very focused on really showcasing everything on the plate so nothing gets lost. Daniel Humm
Everyone comes to live in New York because they want to achieve something, and for that reason, there’s this energy in the city that is just electrifying and inspiring. Daniel Humm
I’m from Switzerland, so I grew up with great chocolate. Daniel Humm
If you are working with high quality products, you can elevate the flavors more by cooking it at a low temperature than you can by searing it. Daniel Humm
A cookbook is a moment in time because, otherwise, you look back at the end of the day, and all the meals have been eaten, and the experience is gone. Daniel Humm
A cook never knows if the dish he perfected for hours was described properly or if a guest even liked his food. It’s hard to spend hours perfecting a dish only to relinquish control. But chefs need to put aside their egos and trust the people serving the food. Daniel Humm
Passion for what you do is essential to success in any profession. That passion naturally keeps you interested and aware of everything that is going on around you, anything affecting your craft. Daniel Humm
One of my favorite stores in the Old Town is Buchbinderei. It’s this tiny stationery shop where the owner, Doris Feldman, makes these beautiful hand-bound notebooks I always buy for gifts. Daniel Humm
I love New York, where I live – it’s the best city in the world. Nowhere in the world do you have so many nationalities that are actually mixed together – it’s so multicultural. Daniel Humm
The seasons had always been a part of the way I cooked and ate in Switzerland, and they again became what guided me in New York. Daniel Humm
New York’s food scene is truly unique because it is this wonderful melting pot where immigrants from all over the world have brought with them their cuisines and their ingredients. Daniel Humm
I have fond memories from growing up in Switzerland and drinking a glass of warm milk with a spoonful of honey before bed. Daniel Humm
I do believe there will always be a place for beautiful cookbooks that are real books. Daniel Humm
I just really, really love food, so I don’t have a favourite. But if I had to pick one to eat every day, it would be Italian. But I also love Chinese and Japanese food. Daniel Humm
I realized I was never going to be Lance Armstrong. And in biking, if you want to make money, you have to be the best. Daniel Humm
At home, I warm milk, stir in two teaspoons of honey, and drink it in a teacup. It’s so basic yet pure; I love it. Daniel Humm
Over the years, I’ve found myself drawn more and more to simpler meals, to dishes that are focused, and to experiences that strip away the excess. Daniel Humm
I think sometimes with the parsnip, people are maybe a little afraid and don’t use it as often. Daniel Humm
H. Schwarzenbach is a very traditional place. The store opened in the late 1800s, importing specialty items from all over the world. It was curated before we even used that word. Daniel Humm
It is essential for me to work with tools that are reliable and offer complete functionality, which is why I feel so confident about representing the Victorinox brand. Daniel Humm
At the restaurant, we strive to create an excellent experience for our guests, and in the kitchen, we could not do this without having access to the best ingredients, equipment and tools, including Victorinox Cutlery. Daniel Humm
History has long had a wall up between the kitchen and the dining room. Front of house, back of house – one group always wielded more power and influence. Daniel Humm
Amuse-bouches are an opportunity to push boundaries. Daniel Humm
I have fallen in love with granola, in life and at work. I exercise every morning, and then I have a monstrous day in front of me. Granola gives me energy. It’s quick, tasty, and healthy. Daniel Humm
You’ve got to listen to your guests. Daniel Humm
Almonds can be used in sweet and savory dishes very easily. Daniel Humm
My wife is from Chicago, and every time we go, I just love it. I love the restaurant scene, and people here are so into the food. It’s one of the most exciting food cities in the country. Daniel Humm
I try to run so I can eat anything I want. I feel it’s a luxury to be able to splurge on something like foie gras and not have to think about it. Daniel Humm
I really feel I have found myself as a chef. It’s very clear to me what I want to do – and how it should taste. Daniel Humm
I have been using Victorinox Cutlery since I was a young man, when my parents gave me a block set to properly equip me for my culinary apprenticeship. Daniel Humm
When I moved to the United States, I first went to California to be the chef at Campton Place. As much as I loved California, I really missed the seasons. So when I moved to New York, I had that again. Daniel Humm
In San Francisco, the majority of the restaurants are ingredient-driven. In New York, that is true as well, but there’s also a greater focus on technique. Daniel Humm
