Irene Li, Indra S., and Christian Castillo
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Those with us during the early days of Busboy will remember that MáLà Project was one of our first features. This was, in part, because of the famous dry hotpot (extra wood ear mushroom please), but also because of the emotional tie we had to the East Village location. Countless college dinners, dates, and special occasions led us repeatedly back to MáLà even still to this day. We are thrilled to introduce you to the staff at their newest Greenpoint location, even more-so ahead of our upcoming Lunar New Year event next month. Without further ado…
Full name, age, where are you from?
Christian Castillo, 31, Mexico (but also Madison WI)
Indra S. 39, Brooklyn
My name is Irene Li. I’m 30 years old and from NYC baby!
What is your title and where do you work?
Christian: Creative Director, MáLà Project
Indra: General Manager for MáLà Project Midtown East and Greenpoint
Irene: Director of Operations of MáLà Project
What inspired you to work in the food industry?
Christian: Not so much what but who: Amelie Kang (founder of MP) definitely inspires me. She pushes me to think outside of what working in the food industry looks like. Now that I’m more tuned into it than in my early 20s, it is fascinating to see and know all the different people that play a role in it. Also how niche job titles can get!
Indra: I was looking for a change in my work environment and MáLà Project was hiring. I thought to myself, the food is great and the environment was welcoming whenever I dined in. I never wanted to work in the food industry because I thought I would gain too much weight due to the fact that I love food so much!
Irene: I’m a big foodie! Wherever there is good food, I’ll be there.
What is your biggest customer pet peeve?
Christian: In the bathrooms, we used to store paper towels in these cute vintage metal Kleenex boxes but they constantly got stolen :( so–don’t do that!
Indra: Guests who think we are their servants.
Irene: When people working in the hospitality industry are always looked down upon. “Get a real job!” This is a lot of people’s passion and source of income just like other people in other industries.
What is your most blissful food moment?
Christian: For my birthday my mom always makes my fav, a huge pot of goat birria <3
…but also that black & white seven-layer cake from Gertrude’s had me in happy tears lol
Indra: The last flavorful bite
Irene: When there is always a satisfying cheese pull
What dish do you want to master in the kitchen?
Christian: Oh I would love to be one of those magical people that can just whip up anything with whatever is around. I hardly cook but when I do make the effort–I need to follow and read the recipe several times.
Indra: My grandmother's chicken pot pie!
Irene: My mom's ZongZi recipe. The simplest way I can describe this dish is that it's like a Chinese “Tamale.” It takes days for her to prepare and marinate the ingredients. Her wrapping technique is the most difficult to master.
If you could shout out a colleague or friend in the industry who would it be and why?
Christian:I’d like to shout out my bestie Chauncey, she’s a professional through and through. She taught me a lot about how to be hospitable and put on your best face. She's currently at The Garrett. Please check out her gofundme to help with her gender-affirming surgery <3
Indra: Amelie, founder and CEO of MáLà Project, she’s a young, ambitious visionary who wants to bring joy and happiness by providing delicious food and a great dining experience
Irene: I want to give a shout out to two people actually if I could–Alan Woo and Davis Ngo. They run a hole-in-the-wall gem called Xe Máy Sandwich Shop in East Village, NYC. They trusted and guided me in running their business. These two people were HUGE influences and basically mentored me in my career path.
What is the best food city?
Christian: NYC for sure but looking for leads on best tamales
Indra: NYC
Irene: NYC for sure. There is such a huge diversity and creativity of food from all over the world.
How do you relax outside of work?
Christian: I love to sleep
Indra: Spending time with my family
Irene: I love spa hopping and ending the day with a good meal. Korean food is always my go-to.
What is your astrology sign (including moon and rising)?
Christian: I’m famously a Gemini, Taurus rising, and Aries moon. Earth, wind, & fire!
Indra: Aries, Leo moon, Scorpio rising
Irene: Aries-Virgo Moon, Libra Rising. Fiery and sensitive at the same time
