[VIDEO] A Day at NYC’s Most Exciting Mexican Restaurant

In "A Day at NYC's Most Exciting Mexican Restaurant," Bon Appétit spends a day behind the scenes with Chef Yara Herrera, owner and Executive Chef of Hellbender in Ridgewood, Queens. As a first-time owner and executive chef, Yara navigates the daily challenges of running her own restaurant, from meticulously checking closing checklists and unpacking fresh deliveries to preparing signature Mexican dishes. The video highlights the intricate process of making salsa macha, crafting churro batter, expertly breaking down fish for aguachile amarillo, and prepping labor-intensive empanadas, all while fostering a collaborative team environment and ensuring consistency before service begins.