How I Built This with Guy Raz Eleven Madison Park: Daniel Humm
May 3, 2021
Daniel Humm, chef and owner of Eleven Madison Park, shares his inspiring journey from aspiring cyclist to culinary visionary. He candidly discusses the challenges his restaurant faced during the pandemic, including a transformative shift to an all-vegan menu. Humm reflects on the pressures of running a Michelin-starred kitchen and his evolution toward sustainability in fine dining. He also reveals the emotional impact of giving back through community initiatives and how cooking for those in need redefined his culinary purpose.
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Cycling as Escape
- Daniel Humm became a serious competitive cyclist as a teenager, even winning national races.
- This sport offered him an escape from a difficult home life.
Early Independence
- At 14, Humm dropped out of school to pursue cycling professionally.
- He left home at 15, moving in with his older girlfriend, with whom he had his first child at 18.
Early Culinary Exposure
- Humm started working in restaurants at 16, initially for money to support his cycling career.
- A chef at Hotel Borolock, a cycling fan, mentored him in basic culinary skills.