A Day With the Chef de Cuisine at a Top NYC Restaurant | On the Line | Bon Appétit

"I want to make sure I'm being a proper leader for them." Juliana Latif, Chef de Cuisine at the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Zou Zou's, walks us through a typical day at the New York City eatery. Juliana starts off laying out her kitchen prep process (and watch as she demonstrates how she fillets fluke), moves on to lunch and dinner service, and breaks down how she takes inventory.
Director: Gunsel Pehlivan
Editor: Mack Johnson
Creative Producer: Parisa Kosari
Associate Producer: Dimitri Lazarshvili
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Camera Operator: Aaron Snell
Camera Operator: Duell Davis
Assistant Camera: Lucas Young
Audio: Brett van Deusen
PA: Amara McNeil
Line Producer: Jennifer McGinity
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@pjacobsen1000]

Professional, no drama, no panic, confident, calm, clear orders, completely in control. No wonder she is the boss.

[@theprousteffect9717]

I thought head chefs were supposed to scream and throw hot food at their kitchen staff.

[@pjacobsen1000]

@@theprousteffect9717 Only if the lamb sauce is not ready.

[@OriginalEric]

@@pjacobsen1000 or the staff are donkeys

[@brianfoster3651]

@@theprousteffect9717❤😅

[@brianfoster3651]

@@OriginalEric 1:00 months later I’m not even sure if I’ll be back to normal in time for being 🫀🫁🫁👀👣👁️🦶📛🫁

[@MARISHKALIS]

I love her energy, her confidence, her assertiveness and the way she treats the staff. ❤

[@sovereignyx3158]

By wearing no hat and calling everyone by their first names while she wants to get called chef? 😅 I don‘t know if I want to agree with that.

[@chocolatesouljah]

I agree. I found her presence reassuring and unpretentious, yet no-nonsense at the same time, clearly in charge.

[@torontoenvironment9899]

@@sovereignyx3158 Head Chefs at the best restaurants in the world do not wear "hats" or any sort of headwear. If you could afford to know that you wouldn't sound so stupid.

[@sovereignyx3158]

@@torontoenvironment9899 That's right, but if the head chef doesn't wear headwear, then the staff shouldn't have to either.

[@torontoenvironment9899]

@@sovereignyx3158 "shouldn't have to" is up to ownership, you're broke stop batching and go be a man

[@skrwdUNi]

The new kids coming up in the industry are setting standards that very few places can meet!! Love to see it, amazing energy ❤

[@doubledutchclutch]

Truly. The more and more chefs I see treating their staff like this, the more eager I become to jump ship to join one of their teams. I appreciate the exposure Bon Appetit.

[@irischamlin3720]

​@@doubledutchclutch❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sanchom5905]

Wow blown away by Chef Juliana Latif! She runs her kitchen in such a calm and constructive manner… very impressive

[@bruisersdilemma354]

bot

[@prairiephan]

You mean slow and in the way

[@christian-uh8vh]

It won't be that easy when you call the dockets, cook and plate up those dishes for those dockets, and for 400 plus ala carte

[@essendossev362]

Most of all I'm impressed by how well she trains her staff, in a constructive manner as you said, giving them a strong set of skills for the long term so that they're in the best possible position to do their job and so she doesn't end up overly stressed trying to manage everything. Ex, they have a term for if the cooks forget or loose track of what dishes they need to be preparing, but she also clearly has passed onto them the skills for how to manage their orders (pulling out the plate for the order when they get it) so that it doesn't need to be called a lot. It's there if they need it to fall back on, but she makes sure they won't need to most of the time.

[@finn215]

The smiles on all of the cooks faces when she says good job are all to real, you know its a good workplace when she gets those reactions

[@redchew8847]

She is making it look so easy for an insanely stressful job that’s a lot of responsibility and pressure that takes a certain person to manage, I did her job in a place not even half the size of this and had multiple breakdowns

[@kellydiaz7154]

She needs to manage every restaurant. I’m eating wherever she’s at. Such great confidence and knowledge in what she is doing. Definitely can see her passion for food.

[@doubledutchclutch]

Yes, I agree. I loved how much pride she took in passing on her knowledge and communicating respectfully with her employees. That's how a real chef acts.

[@mauz791]

​@@doubledutchclutchthe tasting of the dips part was incredible. She knows exactly what it's supposed to taste like, and she's teaching her colleagues so they can learn too. It's wonderful

[@MrZane777]

Please keep this series and build on it, seeing passionate people in their day to day is amazing and super inspiring! Awesome video, with a great CDC and great staff.

[@odettec3518]

She’s a natural born leader and amazing host! Absolutely a delight to watch and I’m going to visit the restaurant when I’m next in NYC!

[@alexlogan202]

Very smart

[@thesingh3323]

This is my favorite series! please keep doing these BA I love seeing these passionate people talk us through their workday

[@daimaoza832]

Imma be honest I worked in professional fine dining kitchens she wanted to flex her clean walk in 💀😂 love it

[@1yamawai1]

I hope she is this way naturally and not just because it’s a video. The smiles on faces when she praises are priceless.❤❤❤

[@user-on3oz3ug9b]

Shes my aunt and she is amazing. ❤

[@1yamawai1]

@@user-on3oz3ug9b so happy to see this!! genuinely touched by this. thank you. please pass my best regards the next time you see her.

[@georgeinfante8436]

She is naturally like this , I’ve worked under her and she has the up most respect for herself and staff . Never frowned upon anyone . Very uplifting energy .

[@1yamawai1]

Fantastic! Happy to see this.

[@schriemontague1970]

I worked with and she was always upbeat.

[@eugob90]

I love the fact that she acts so natural! Im sure that kitchen staff feels appreciated. Kitchen looks very clean and organized.

[@GaetanLloyd]

this is one of my favorite series in the entirety of KZbin. I hope people watch these videos and realize how much it takes for a restaurant to run smoothly. Major props. Not an easy job!

[@camalw7742]

Her energy is beyond beautiful omg , she has such a calm aura and appreciates her entire team ❤️

[@willcookmakeup]

I always wonder how much these episodes impact their sales. That fluke looked amazing and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought so. I'd imagine they're now having to order more after New Yorkers start watching this episode

[@lowqualityguitarvideos]

Such a natural in front of the camera and has such a great sense of leadership; which the team seems to generally enjoy.

[@NYCLight]

She is absolutely FABULOUS!! Been to Zou Zou a few times for lunch service. It hit all the marks on my palette 😋

[@sarahwotaszak563]

Juliana seems like a dream boss! So knowledgeable and happy to teach others, but also gentle and kind about mistakes when they happen. On top of that just seems so calm which is key when managing a team in a high environment. Loved this video and wishing Juliana and the restaurant continued success!❤️

[@matissta]

Like, Wow. Thank you Juliana! That was simply captivating! So much to react to, the menu - your food, operational processes, your management style...just outstanding

[@prairiephan]

It's not her food

[@markrose1237]

Blown away by how talented these chefs are these days

[@livalittle13]

I love her... professional... to the point... straight forward leadership... yaaaaas girl yas

[@Amosgreyy1]

Hey beautiful 💗💗 how are you doing ??

[@surfcoach]

I have no idea who this woman is but it looks like she has a stellar team that loves her 🥰

[@Spimothy]

The smiles on the staffs face lets me know shes treating them well.

[@kimberlyjackson8064]

It looks like she takes care of her team. I’m seeing a shift in the industry and I love it. I said that if I returned to restaurants or opened my own establishment, I would be the change I want to see. That I wish I had. Kudos to her! I hope this continues.

[@sethsoderman2731]

This becoming the line Chef mine cook is becoming one of my favorite shows to watch always like to see all the amazing chefs around the world

[@Francoberry]

*this* is a seriously impressive place. Some of the restaurants on this segment have been pretty pretentious and overly fussy. This really shows some amazingly simple as well as and technical and beautifully presented dishes. Looks like a fantastic team, beautiful location and unique food.

[@daywithmei]

Please keep producing this series! Love the look at diverse roles within the restaurant operation.

[@allthingsgumball]

I've worked in so many restaurants. If they all could be this laid back that would be wonderful.

[@4nn13h7]

Perfect example of someone who probably didn’t originally picture themselves as a manager but clearly grew wonderfully into the role.

[@katelovell625]

If only more people were like her. The world would actually be a good place

[@SebastianEmmeluth]

That person knows her job. So comforting listening to her

[@unruly_ronin]

This lady is dedicated to her craft with a perfect mastery of what she's doing. Always great to see.

[@steph921]

I freaking love Zou Zou's. Those lamb chops & the dips are to die for. Absolutely love the spotlight on this women led restaurant & team! 💖

[@stefnstef_]

This was so enjoyable. You can tell the staff respect her and their craft. Would love to eat here someday!

[@asherrfacee]

She’s a boss and the food looks incredible. Thanks for sharing

[@noyasaur]

I love these On The Line episodes. ❤

[@neelchoudhary8432]

This was such a good in depth look into their kitchen and service omg

[@betsylindsay8480]

Wonderfully informative, well done, series. Can’t get enough of this.

[@kluger2222]

Her aura is so calm 😊

[@brittanyravi5388]

This was FASCINATING! Such a help too for people looking at different career options. Props to Chef Juliana and the rest of that amazing crew

[@lauramaze5354]

I love CDC Juliana! She's calm, organized, respectful, talented, shares her knowledge and talent. I could go on and on! This series is probably my favorite, please keep them coming.

[@Shinkajo]

You women sure seem to like to compliment eachother with the most banal things. You're describing a normal person in her position

[@ghostgirl6970]

She's even teaching US. So amazing.

[@Shinkajo]

@@ghostgirl6970 and it continues

[@TheMattwasherein1992]

i finished the entire video thinking I was watching eater and this was a new show. looked in the comments and its bon appetit! great vid guys well done!

[@TashJansson]

wow, she seems so thoughtful, calm and confident ❤

[@theherd5830]

Amazing. She must feel great at the end of the day. Knowing your job and doing it extremely well is so rewarding.

[@MaddieYchama]

Love how she's teaching along every step of the way

[@_cb336]

What a spectacular human being. Please raise more like them.

[@SeanDaNerd]

She seems cool. Super organized too. I inspect restaurants and other food service businesses, she runs an organized operation and she seems to do it while getting along well with the staff. I’d love to try that place if I’m ever in NY

[@rosastratton4169]

I had a wonderful time following you around Chef. What a beautiful personality you have! My favorite part was when you said : cool, calm and collect! ❤️

[@phillipa224]

Really enjoyed this. Do more. Straightforward. Super pro. Make more of these.

[@primrosed2338]

What a well oiled machine, right down to inventory management. Their food costs must be well managed. Love that!

[@JPzizou]

Wow she seems like a great leader and defo would inspire people around her

[@User2rd]

What an absolute legend! Wonderfully professional and confidently calm. Must be a great teacher!

[@Lee-eo2by]

Always amazing to see people in their element, its really attractive.

[@zoeg5451]

Absolutely love this series

[@appalachianfamilyrecipes4647]

I absolutely loved the level of organization and calm control over the environment. This chef is amazing :)

[@prairiephan]

That's because the executive chef and sous chef are holding it down. Most restaurants don't have a chef de cuisine position because it's useless. She's just walking around all day.

[@Amosgreyy1]

Hey beautiful 💗💗 how are you doing ??

[@MeandYouHello]

Thanks for sharing I enjoy these types of videos

[@sashacali2425]

Chef I want to grow up to be you... I am so in awe of how perfectly you seem to run your BOH. Bravo❤️

[@riasas27]

She is so professional 👏 , hats off Chef Latif! 👩‍🍳you did a great job 😇

[@VeeLondon1449]

♥️ Juliana has a phenomenal passionate vibe. And the food looks delicious & amazing.

[@jeromerjacildo]

So many more people working in the background. I enjoyed watching this so much. Thank you and Kudos to you, chef!

[@badassmillz_]

Zou Zou is now on my go-to list! Yummmm. Love this series

[@uhpenyen4291]

I love these kind of videos! I hate cooking but I love going out!

[@bjarkibirgisson655]

That whipped aquafata was so cool!

[@catalhuyuk7]

Seems so calm and clean. Impressive!

[@mrki731]

She's so valuable. Hope they are paying her well!!

[@sobepam]

Next time I'm up in NYC I might need to check this restaurant out but really any of the restaurants that have been on this series I need to check out.

[@Amosgreyy1]

Hey beautiful 💗💗 how are you doing ??

[@MarcPhillips817]

One of my friends dined at Zou Zou and recommended it. Now I really need to check it out!

[@mrki731]

Looks so good and love how she trains her staff. I want to go eat there!!

[@mms4520]

No one has pointed out how Juliana throws her sous-chef right under the bus! Poor thing looks so pissed. When the camera comes back on her later she looks so rigid and embarrassed. Girl, if you're reading this, you did a perfect job! She just needed something to say for the camera.

[@mn8522]

I think you’re an amazing chef and person. I bet your back story would also be amazing and inspirational!

[@prairiephan]

Why do you think she's an amazing chef? It's not her menu and all her job requires is the stuff the sous and executive don't want to do.

[@EG-og5sn]

Lol, the VIP guest ticket at 10:40 is Frank Carone, Eric Adams' former chief of staff with sketchy past business dealings

[@ryannovel8892]

yoo give her own show!!!! or maybe just put her in one of the segment every onve in a while

[@TheDoctorinspector]

I wanted to keep going with this one. All the way to the after service smoke out back. She was amazing.

[@jimster7645]

can you please make more of this series . love it

[@marleymcdermott1065]

Holy Moly, that food looks amazing 🤤

[@antoneyquiah6746]

delightful video, i loved seeing the inventory! makes me want to start stocking my fridge and cooking

[@btjohne]

I enjoyed watching Juliana, she’s A Real Pro. Now I have to go to Zou Zou & taste the dip tower!

[@philiq18]

Nice insider look. She comes across as a really good leader. Kudos.

[@jackiem9267]

I love the education!! And so happy to educate too

[@milly-rock6735]

I would love to have such a calm CDC that actually enjoys teaching others

[@rosastratton4169]

What is CDC? I feel ignorant 🫣🥺

[@markchristopher4165]

She's great. Nicely done

[@evanpal1205]

Zou Zou's is INCREDIBLE

[@shannonvillalobos3292]

Please make an episode showcasing a pastry chef! I need a role model!

[@marcmcdermott6120]

She’s such a boss! So warm too! Bookmarking this restaurant

[@PVL14]

She’s AMAZING!!! Can’t wait to go!

[@missjelisa]

Wow, she's amazing! This was so cool to watch.

[@jackwitcombe765]

I’m a good line cook went to culinary school think I have descent knowledge and talent… these people are artists delicious. I hope I’m able to and try this place one day.

[@jasN86]

What an amazing episode!

[@heidisawyer5600]

Love love love her!

[@ftbailey773]

Let's feature this chef again!

[@ghostgirl6970]

This is true leadership. I'm a huge fan now.

[@georgemullens]

Absolutely beautiful, if I ever go to NYC I hope to visit!

[@obliviousloveonfire]

She reminds me of my grandma, no offense, so calm and really great chef

[@Luna.3.3.3]

Chef Latif is awesome. I love seeing there's quite a few ladies in the kitchen 😊

[@mikem314]

This Chef is brilliant! Wow

[@patricionovelo6936]

shes a beast in that kitchen

[@stefandreher7096]

im with you! big inspiration, great managing style!

[@johndoe4073]

This! She is a true leader!

[@bernoldychrispin1275]

Love what you guys are doing at restaurant zou zous chef de cuisine Juliana Latif is amazing