He worked with two Accor hotels in Budapest before moving to Liverpool, in England, where he worked as a head bartender.

After four years in the UK, Daniel was offered an opportunity to return to Budapest to set up Winestone, a high-quality bistro attached to Mercure Hotel, where he also manages the banquet department. 

1. Where did you grow up?
Budapest.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I visited Monaco and fell in love with it. If I could choose one place to live, this would be it. The beauty of the city, and the people, really got to me. And I’m a fan of Formula 1, so, of course, I loved the famous circuit . Hopefully, I will return to the French Riviera one day.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
Family and friends.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend – what must they absolutely see and do?
There are so many things to see in our city, but the nicest parts are the Buda Castle area, Parliament (inside, also), and the bridges and riverbank (borrow a Segway or a bike).

5. What is your favourite food?
I love steak (cooked medium rare). I choose it nearly everywhere I go.

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?
Cycling and go-karting. I always try to find time for them.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
Every year I go down to Balaton with my family – to Tihany, which is my favourite place. The view from there is amazing. After taking a break in Balaton, I always feel calm and relaxed.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I’ve wanted to work in the tourism industry since I was a teenager. But if I were to do something different, I think I would run a security business.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
I could never work with the Police Department. That job would be too stressful for me!

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Thailand, on our honeymoon. We spent two weeks there, and still didn’t see everything. There are so many beautiful islands, with white sand and crystal-clear water. It was amazing.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
I would love to go to Barbados, or to the Dominican Republic.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
As a teen I liked many bands, but my favourites were Eminem and Lil Jon.
My favourite film was Tango and Cash. I watched it at least a hundred times.

13. Apart from temptation what can’t you resist?
As I mentioned, I love Formula 1. I can’t resist speed.

14. Red wine or white?
Red.

15. Book or movie?
Movie.

16. Morning person or night person?
Night person.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Unequal treatment of people makes me angry. Not everyone is in a good situation, and those people need help.

18. Buda or Pest side?
Buda side. I live there and like the peacefulness of it.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
I’m proud that I have become a restaurant manager. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be in this position. I started work in hotels as a teen. Sometimes I worked 16-hour days. I did whatever I was asked to do. So, I’m proud that I have got this far.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
“To be a good winner, you have to be an even better loser” (Michael Schumacher).