Born and raised in New York City, Dan attended Syracuse University where he majored in Nutrition and Hospitality Management while spending his externship in the dining room of Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe. After graduation, he returned to work in the dining room until he was offered his first kitchen position as a prep cook. Dan spent the next two-and-a-half years working his way through every station at Union Square Cafe.
In 1999, Dan was asked by Floyd Cardoz to become a part of the opening team of Tabla Restaurant and spent the next 7 years working his way up, becoming Tabla's first Chef de Cuisine. Upon leaving Tabla, Dan was hired by Tom Colicchio to become the Executive Chef for The Core Club. Dan left The Core Club in late 2008 to join the Jean-Georges team where he's helped open ABC Kitchen and most recently, ABC Cocina, currently holding the title of Executive Chef for both properties.
Since opening ABC Kitchen in 2010, Dan has been a vital part in winning multiple awards including the 2011 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant as well as being recently honored as Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chef of 2012. When Dan isn't cooking, he spends his time with his wife and two daughters.