Ami James

Anyone who’s into ink knows Ami James. Even if you’re not into body art, you might recognize his face from TV. The Israeli born tattoo artist became a national star when TLC’s Miami Ink launched James and his crew from LoveHate Tattoo into the spotlight. With James and Kat Von D (who he had a big falling out with), leading the way, the Ink franchise has been a monster success. After Miami’s most recent season, James decided it was time to sell his shop in Miami and take on an even bigger challange: New York City. Wooster St. Social Club was born and NY Ink premiered in early June with a second season on the way for December.

Ami, you draw a good turkey leg? We’d be down for Infatuation logo tattoos. Always been kind of jealous of Sarma‘s One Lucky Duck tat. Let’s get an Infatuation TV epsidoe together, or, better yet, get us on the show.

To keep up with Ami, make sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Tune into NY Ink Thursday’s at 8pm EST on TLC. Ami’s NYC restaurant picks below.

Ami’s “Perfect For” Picks

Authentic Ethnic Eats

Village Yokocho (8 Stuyvesant St.) – “You know a place is authentic when you are the only non Japanese in the room. I lived in Tokyo and learned from some of the great artists not only how to better my tattooing, but how to eat. Yokocho is the most like places we ate in Japan and the local Japanese must agree.”

Dining Solo

Café Mogador (101 St. Marks Place) – “When I’m in NY I always go to Holyland on St. Marks Place. I pick up the Israeli newspaper, pastries, and other items from Israel, then go to have the Mediterranean breakfast there. During the week there is always a table, it is quiet and reminds me of my youth in a nice way.”

Fine Dining

Barbounia (250 Park Ave.) – “High-end food without the ‘nose up’ crowd. A beautiful restaurant with great food – it is not an everyday place for me, but something I like to do on occasion. When I go I never regret it!”

Late Night

Miss Lily’s (132 W Houston St.) – “This place is as cool as it gets without putting a fancy club together. The best part is that it feels like you’re not in NY anymore, but you still have the best of what the city offers in a crowd.”

Listening to Black Eyed Peas Mash Ups

“Never!”

Oysters

Ed’s Lobster Bar (222 Lafayette St.) – “Great oysters and great lobster, without 60 thousand things piled on it. No sauces or mayo – it is what it is meant to taste like.”

Ami’s Twitter People

@Saltwatertattoo – Tim Hendricks is a pleasure to know, work with, and follow. He is a huge part of my golden rule, “Surround yourself with artists you can learn from, and you’ll never get bored.”

@TommyMontoya – Following Tommy keeps it real and keeps it funny, what more can you ask for.

@peta – For all the love we get from our animals, the least we can give back is to follow PETA.

@OurWW2History – He knows the business and knows the scene; following Scott Lyons keeps me in the loop.

@scottlipps – He knows the business and knows the scene, following Scott Lipps keeps me in the loop.