What were your favorite foods growing up?
Italian-pasta, spaghetti pomodoro — it still is.

Where and when did you career in the restaurant industry begin?
In 1997 with Serafina on 79th and Madison.

If you didn't become a restaurateur, what would you be?
Sometimes I ask myself that; I wanted to be an investment banker. I owned a marble factory with my brother, so I would probably still be doing that.

What inspired you to open a Mexican Restaurant?
I love the food business and try to diversify with different cultures so I don't get bored. I love spicy food, and Mexican is fun. It's nice to have a beer and chips with really good guacamole.

What is your favorite dish on the menu at Mañana?
The ceviche

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in all of your staff?
I want them to be happy at work and smile. All personal problems should be kept to the side.

What was your worst restaurant disaster?
It was three months after the opening of Serafina, and the whole town was talking about our amazing pizza. The night Mayor Koch came in to try it my two pizza chefs had a fight and walked out, he never got the pizza.

What is your least favorite food?
Meat, there is something going on with my conscience. My seventeen year old daughter Nicole is a vegetarian and she has been telling me about how the animals are treated; so I don't eat much meat, when I do, I do not feel well psychologically.

What is your beverage of choice?
Wine, a day without wine is like a day without sun.

What are some recent dining and culinary trends you have been observing?
People are more health conscious, they are watching calories and fat; sushi is a great fit for this trend.

When you are not eating at your own restaurant... you are eating at?
I really don't have much time; I like Cipriani Downtown, Rosa Mexicano before we opened Mañana, and Mr. Chow when I'm craving something different. I have a beautiful new kitchen, but I never get to use it.

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
Eric Ripert's tasting menu, he does amazing things, I adore him.