Eric Kole

General Manager & Partner

Originally from Lomé, West Africa, Eric brings a deep cultural appreciation of food as a way of life. With a degree in Business Administration, he moved to New York City to pursue his passion for hospitality. Starting in local eateries, he refined his skills before joining Amélie West Village, where he discovered his love for wine.

Through hard work and dedication, Eric rose to general manager, excelling in the role for four years under the mentorship of owners Samie and Germain. Now a partner in Amélie’s Washington, DC location, he is eager to bring his leadership and expertise back to a city he knows well.

As general manager, Eric looks forward to sharing his passion for wine and hospitality while continuing his journey toward his dream of business ownership. Join him at Amélie DC to experience the exceptional service he’s known for.

Anthony Lemortellec

Executive Chef

Born near Paris, Anthony’s passion for cooking began in childhood, inspired by his grandmother in Normandy and Brittany. He trained under renowned chef Michel Blanchet at the two Michelin-starred Le Tastevin and mastered pastry before joining Alain Ducasse in Paris, where he refined his Mediterranean culinary skills.

Seeking new horizons, Anthony moved to San Francisco, working in French restaurants and meeting future partners Samie and Germain. His journey continued in New York City at Boqueria and later Amélie Bistro, where he deepened his expertise and vision.

Now, alongside Samie, Olivier, Eric, and Germain, Anthony is opening a new restaurant in Washington, D.C. Their bistro-style concept emphasizes French traditions, local produce, and a farm-to-table approach. Anthony’s goal is to deliver a truly seasonal dining experience, celebrating sustainability and authenticity in every dish.

Samie Didda

Founder & Owner

Raised in Montmartre, Paris, Samie began his career at Tarte Julie, eventually overseeing 30 pastry shops across France. He later opened the famed Les Petits Mitrons pastry shop, still thriving under his brother’s care.

In 2003, Samie moved to the U.S. and opened Chouchou in San Francisco, where he met partner Germain Michel. Together, they launched Amélie wine bars in San Francisco (2007) and Manhattan (2012, 2017). Known for blending American urban and Parisian chic, their restaurants have earned international acclaim for creative food and exceptional wine.

Now, Samie and Germain are bringing their vision to Washington, D.C.—the fifth Amélie and their sixth U.S. restaurant.

Olivier Filograsso

Wine Director & Partner

Born in Valence, France, Olivier discovered his passion for food, wine, and hospitality after moving to the U.S. He first worked with Germain and Samie in San Francisco, then spent seven years in New York’s top brasseries before joining them in launching Amélie West Village in 2012.

As wine curator, Olivier earned his sommelier certification and placed top four in NYC’s Somm Slam competition. His leadership helped Amélie achieve four consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmands, and he became a partner at Amélie Upper West Side.

Now, as wine director and partner at Amélie Washington, DC, Olivier brings his expertise and passion to the city’s newest Amélie location.

Germain Michel

Founder & Owner

Raised in Valence, France, in the heart of the Rhône Valley, Germain began working in restaurants at 14, mastering both French cooking and wine service. At 21, he moved to the U.S. and joined Samie Didda at Chouchou in San Francisco, later becoming his business partner. Together, they opened Amélie Wine Bar in 2006, earning awards such as Best Wine Bar SF, Best Ambiance, and Best Bar Soundtrack.

Their success led to new ventures: Amélie West Village in New York (2012), a Michelin-recognized brasserie in Oakland, and a second Manhattan location on the Upper West Side, which also received multiple Bib Gourmands. Germain, a certified sommelier, is also a wine producer. He co-created a biodynamic cuvée in Languedoc—awarded 92+ points in the Parker Guide and Top New Winery by Wine Spectator—and launched the “Cassette” label in Argentina, now distributed across 20 U.S. states.

Most recently, Germain and Samie opened a Fairfax, CA, location blending Amélie’s signature hospitality with a bakery supplying pastries and breads to top Bay Area restaurants. Their next chapter brings them to Washington, D.C., the fifth Amélie and sixth U.S. restaurant.

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