Chatting with Mr. Ilias Mamalakis!
- Alexandros Xanthakos
- Dec 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2024
We had the pleasure of having a wonderful conversation with Mr. Mamalakis, a warm and kind individual devoted to improving the quality of agricultural products in the Greek market. Please read a small part of the conversation
Alexandros: Since we both graduated from the Athens University of Economics and Business (formerly ASOEE), I’m curious—what made you decide to leave your field of studies and focus on cooking?
Mr. Mamalakis: Cooking started as a hobby while I was working in multinational companies. I wrote my first cookbooks, and little by little, people started noticing me. Eventually, I was invited to appear on television.
Alexandros: People often say that when a hobby becomes a job, it loses the joy it once brought. Was this true for you?
Mr. Mamalakis: Unfortunately, yes. There were many stressful and even unbearable moments. I have to agree—when a hobby becomes work, it can stop being enjoyable.
Alexandros: Did you ever think about moving abroad?
Mr. Mamalakis: No, never. There wasn’t any place that excited me as much as Greece. That said, I do have a special love for Cairo—I’ve been there 16 times!
My generation grew up with Mr. Mamalakis on the beloved TV show Boukia kai Syghorio (A Bite and Forgive). Of course, many also remember his iconic voice as the narrator in the animated film Ratatouille, a story about cooking that captured the hearts of young and old alike with its deep messages.
Throughout our conversation, his love for high-quality Greek products shone through.
It was a pleasure discussing with him and I am very thankful for taking the time to help me show the people how amazing
Xanthakos Gourmet is!
Visit Mr. Mamalakis' website:
