Meet the Tastemakers: “When you open your restaurant, 90% of the details you agonized about for hours won’t matter” With James Mallios of Amali

When you open your store, 90% of the details you agonized about for hours (Wallpaper sample 1? Wallpaper sample 2?) won’t matter. Having the number of a 24 hour, reasonably priced electrician and plumber will.

I had the pleasure to interview James Mallios. In the summer of 2010, James Mallios, a longtime attorney, left his law career to pursue a path in the restaurant industry. Teaming up with Nicola Kotsoni and Steve Tzolis — law firm colleagues with similar goals and interests — the trio joined forces and opened Amali on New York’s Upper East Side in November 2011. Presently, James Mallios is the managing partner of Amali and Amali Mou. He also serves as in-house council for the hotels and restaurants of Kotsoni and Tzolis, including Il Cantinori, Periyali, Bar Six, and The Bar Room. Team Amali boasts a remarkable track record of sustainability practices and community building, having worked with New York City schools to teach the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and culinary traditions. Amali has been recognized by institutions such as The New York Times…