“A Day in the Life” is a series where we’ll profile a variety of residents to get an intimate glimpse into their day-to-day. These are your neighbors. Get to know them.

Crush your balls and layer the toppings next to — not on top of — the falafel. That’s my words of wisdom for all. – Matt D’Alessio

If you haven’t yet experienced Amsterdam Falafelshop in Somerville, you don’t know what you’re missing. The restaurant serves up top-it-yourself falafel sandwiches, Dutch-style fries and a vibe that’s all its own. The owner, Matt D’Alessio, decided to bring the Amsterdam Falafelshop concept to Boston after patronizing the well-known Amsterdam Falafelshop in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C. And — no surprise — the Somerville spot is so successful that it will be expanding to more locations throughout Boston very soon.

Matt D’Alessio shared with us his day-to-day from frying falafel and shoveling snow, to just generally taking care of business at his shop. Check out the answers and the slideshow (below) to see how the owner spends his falafel-filled days.

Marian White: How do you spend most mornings?

Matt D’Alessio: Best-case scenario: I’m leisurely walking my dog while sipping coffee.

Worst-case scenario: I am shoveling a foot of snow off the sidewalk in front of our falafel shop, or cleaning up a milkshake left at the storefront window by a drunk from the previous evening. Most mornings are somewhere between these scenarios.

MW: What are the top priorities on your to-do list right now?

MD: I’m constantly making sure that Amsterdam Falafelshop is an enjoyable place to work by checking in with new and well-seasoned staff members alike about their time at and away from work. I also spend a lot of time ensuring restaurant equipment is running reliably and efficiently.

And another top priority for me right now is securing the best next location in the Boston-area to open another Amsterdam Falafelshop. Can’t wait for round two.

MW: What is the worst part and the best part about your typical day?

MD: The best part about my day is seeing smiling customers and laughing staff members. It brings me great joy.

The Worst part is, without a doubt, whenever the fryers malfunction. Not cool.

MW: What would you do if you were suddenly granted a day off from work tomorrow?

MD: In a heartbeat, I’d go hiking in the White Mountains with my wife and dog.

MW: If you could impart one piece of advice on our readers, what would it be?

MD: Crush your balls and layer the toppings next to — not on top of — the falafel. That’s my words of wisdom for all.

MW: What’s one TV show you can’t live without right now?

MD: My wife and I have recently been hooked on watching Breaking Bad — catching up on Netflix until the finale. Of course, we took a break from that show to watch the Red Sox win the World Series.

MW: What do you think is the key to making the best falafel ever?

MD: Using the freshest ingredients, grinding the falafel daily and frying it on the spot.

MW: If you weren’t answering my questions, what would you be doing instead?

MD: Making sure the food bar is stocked and clean or reading our Yelp reviews.