What is your least favorite food?
I presume a hamburger from McDonald's, which I've never had.

What is your beverage of choice?
Negroni, sweet vermouth, compari and gin

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
About two years ago, I ate grouse in London. The best!

When did you decide you wanted to be a restaurateur?
I went to cooking school and became a chef in Italy. When I came to America, I refused to cook American-Italian food because I only wanted to cook authentic Italian food. I was going crazy because I couldn't cook authentic Italian food. I had to find my own recipes to cook.

If you didn’t become a restaurateur, what would you be?
I love electronics and cars. I would be a race car driver or doing something in electronics.

Who/what has shaped your love of cooking and dining the most over the years?
I just love it. I don't have a specific reason. I love to eat, but I have to be careful because of my age; my body doesn't operate the same as 40 years ago, when I first got here.

What inspired you to write The Da Silvano Cookbook?
I was requested by many people to do a cookbook. It is one of the easiest recipe books to follow. I was the first one who made panna cotta in New York; now, you find it in every restaurant.

What influences your cooking style?
Going to the markets and seeing what is available. I can't do it every day, but when I can go, I like to see the seasonal items.

Which foreign country inspires your dining style most?
Italy

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
The spices from La Contadina

When you are not eating at your own restaurant….you are eating at?
I go to a steakhouse. I like Del Frisco's and Plataforma.

What do you eat when you are home?
I only eat fruit at home. I have a first class kitchen, but I have only eaten at home 3 times in a year. I am always here (at Da Silvano).

What is your best cooking tip for a home enthusiast?
Use olive oil, extra virgin Tuscan oil, we sell it here.

If I’m trying to watch my weight and I’m eating at your restaurant, what am I ordering to eat?
One of our famous salads: lobster, chicken, turkey, veal served roasted and over salad.

What was your worst restaurant disaster?
There was a fire in the kitchen, about 25 years ago. We were looking out the window and saw a firetruck and then realized the flames were coming from our own kitchen! We lost a couple of hours, food was thrown away, but we were able to cook and serve later.

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in all of your staff?
Attention for the customers, treat them with respect and politeness.