We Put 11 Cameras In NYC's Busiest Brunch Restaurant | Bon Appétit

How does the kitchen at a high-traffic New York restaurant keep things humming along? Neil Kleinberg, chef and co-owner of Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant, leads an all access look at how the staff handles the usual (insanely busy) rush, producing hundreds of consistently high-quality orders via their kinetic but highly organized kitchen.
Director: Dan Siegel
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Rob Malone
Talent: Neil Kleinberg, Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant Staff
Producer: Ness Kleino
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Audio: Kurt Pierce
Post Production Supervisor: Stephanie Cardone & Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
Graphics Supervisor: Ross Rackin
Graphics, Animation, VFX: Léa Kichler
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ABOUT BON APPÉTIT
Bon Appétit is a highly opinionated food brand that wants everyone to love cooking and eating as much as we do. We believe in seasonal produce, properly salted pasta water, and developing recipes that anyone can make at home.

[@justhatboss]

This is so cool to see. The narrating of Neil Kleinberg is really calming and he explains everything so well. This exactly shows how it works in restaurants. Please more videos like this Bon Appétit!

[@emilymckeeby6442]

Agreed! The pace is just as frenetic as any other kitchen, but the head chef really seems to foster a lower-stress environment, rather than yelling and berating like you so commonly see. And the food looks amazing!

[@adaminabob2]

I agree! Such a fascinating behind the seems look in a good length of time.

[@paulroark6840]

His narration reminds me of Anthony Bourdain

[@cpcxgsr]

Hope this is how he genuinely operates his kitchen and not just an act because there are cameras in there

[@tekenieconomicdevnativebus7444]

Great response

[@crazyotto1338]

I've worked in kitchens my whole life, and I have to say that was about the least chaotic kitchen I've ever seen. I guess cause they just have so many people working, and not dumping the entire load on 2 people. So very well organized with lots of stations to make it all go smooth. Very nicely done.

[@twinsonic]

They certainly grasped the concept of making money. Happy staff, enough staff per shift, well paid staff, that will lead to happy customers that will return again and again = $$$$$$

[@RB-es1vx]

agreed. but maybe they were over staffed to be ready for a smooth presentation for the filming

[@crazyotto1338]

@@RB-es1vx Very possible!

[@johnnyboy55]

Bet they knew there were cameras everywhere.

[@wildanrosyada7787]

Holey moley, 2 ppl?!

[@tylermiller8142]

The line with the maple butter and the book was gold 😂 love this guy. Great owner and great host!

[@chels4723]

Hahah agreed, made me laugh out loud. Funny guy

[@sophiaisabelle01]

Despite being the busiest brunch restaurant, all the workers remained cool, calm, and collected. Nothing ever gets spilled on the floors or somebody accidentally tripping over. The whole behind the scenes process is mesmerizing.

[@avacadomangobanana2588]

This is what reastaurants should be. It ain’t hard to get it right, but if a manager or owner has an ego….

[@fightsports66]

sophia isabelle This is because this place looks properly staffed. If they had half as many people or less you would see a lot more mistakes.

[@ArtTheSinger]

Also they know their being recorded it’s called best behavior 😂

[@danielszczepanik7312]

Really enjoyed the more monologue-style presentation of the restaurant. It feels like it gives more insight into what they do and why they do it.

[@andrewg4771]

Used to play hoops with Neil. One of the nicest, most generous guys you’ll ever meet! His restaurant is a must visit for a classic NYC brunch! I make his pancake recipe regularly, a real winner! Great job Neil!

[@xXKuroXx100]

Psst share the recipe! Thanks for sharing the memories haha.

[@ce3jay196]

@@xXKuroXx100 Here it is 😀 Ingredients 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon coarse salt 6 large eggs, separated 3 cups whole milk 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted, plus 2 teaspoons unmelted for cooking 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups blueberries or sliced bananas and 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting (optional) Maple Butter for Neil's Pancakes Directions Step 1 Sift flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a large bowl. Step 2 In medium bowl, whisk together yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until combined. Whisk yolk mixture into flour mixture until just combined; batter will be slightly lumpy. Step 3 Place egg white in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or whisk by hand, until medium peaks form. Gently mix half the egg whites into batter with a rubber spatula. Gently fold in remaining whites. The egg whites should not be fully incorporated into the batter. Step 4 Heat a griddle until hot, about 350 to 375 degrees. Add remaining unmelted butter to hot griddle. Add 1/4 cup pancake batter and let set. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon blueberries or sliced bananas and 1 teaspoon chopped walnuts, if using, over pancakes. When bubbles begin to form, lift pancake; if golden brown, turn. Cook until golden brown on remaining side. Step 5 Transfer cooked pancake to a plate and keep warm. Repeat process with remaining batter, fruit, and nuts. Garnish with confectioners' sugar for blueberry pancakes and cinnamon sugar for banana-walnut. Serve warm with maple butter.

[@rmaa_sd]

This is clearly a man who loves his job, and is proud of his restaurant and the team he works with.

[@bluemood3523]

Props to all my fellow Latino line cooks. Latinos are the backbone of the food industry 💪🏽

[@Prince-bc1xr]

You’re an idiot but okay

[@layzy24]

No mames guey

[@useruske]

Bold statement.. it's okay to be delussional sometimes

[@ryansalvador1690]

@@useruske go to your local “Italian” or “Japanese” restaurant and see who actually makes your food

[@ArtTheSinger]

I agree in NYC.

[@melaninxhalide1165]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE feature more restaurants EXACTLY like this!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Lustvig]

Love this video. Finally, someone NARRATES what is happening and WHY, and super important uses word graphic overlays on the video to point out things. Wow. More video producers need to take the time to user graphic and text overlays to highlight what is being looked at, IN DETAIL.

[@ZepIV]

Love this format, the multi-cam with narration. It makes the experience of being in a kitchen more real, if y'all can do more of these it'd be amazing!

[@DavidSherman1980]

I love seeing such a well organized and coordinated kitchen! Really a cool presentation with all the camera angles too.

[@Sifioli]

Until one of them melted 🤣

[@dannyr333]

Couldn’t of sed it better I liked the multiple cameras and him explaining like after the fact the video was shot It was eggcellent!😊

[@RyanRex]

I love the honesty in the presentation. It's a lot of work to coordinate, and even when things are organized to this level, mistakes will happen. Have a system in place for when the system breaks down. Have a system for when That one breaks down. Level heads, clear communication. No wonder these guys have been around forever.

[@skyaltaria]

"and then we took the book away" LOL this was the best part.

[@SuperMustache555]

"we had a little sign-in book at the front desk and some person said, 'I want to rub this maple butter all over my partner's body,,,' and then we took the book away" (9:04) HAHAHAHA

[@acesneeks]

thank you for running a calm kitchen, for respecting your workers and being a stand up gentleman!

[@fleggy123]

First hand narration is such a cool way to understand what’s happening. Love the passion and humour

[@corgeousgeorge]

The amount of organization and teamwork that goes into the back of house at a restaurant is just incredible!

[@laurenrogers2678]

As a born and raised New Yorker can proudly say these are some of the best pancakes in NYC

[@corgeousgeorge]

That Salmon Benedict on potato latkes? My arteries and blood sugar would hate it, but me... I love it! What a concept!

[@EveningEcho89]

This is amazing would love to see a series of this with different restaurants.

[@Ch33zyph33r]

Seeing this functioning kitchen after a Kitchen Nightmares binge is pretty jarring, ngl

[@TheShattubatu]

The editing in this is spectacular, it feels like I'm watching a crime movie, something like Casino or Goodfellas with the naration and multiple shots in each frame.

[@tekenieconomicdevnativebus7444]

Do more of these types of restaurant shows, just great

[@KingJerbear]

As someone who has worked in a diner for the last 10 years, it's fun to watch how you guys do things different than we do. I think we're fortunate in a way to have the expo station on the other side of the heat lamp to give everyone a little more room to breathe - but you can't argue with having a bakery downstairs. Great video, thanks for sharing. Kinda helps the average person to understand how it can take quite a few minutes for their scrambled eggs to come out after they order them, and that as hard as everyone tries to make everything perfect, mistakes do occasionally happen.

[@Brandon.Reacts]

As an ex chef, I’ve gotta say this is a great way to show how the kitchen on breakfast service actually works. Great great video 👍🏻

[@ryann8806]

having been in the industry for far too long now, this was a great video. what a well run kitchen, i love to see it. "and then we took the book away" lmfao

[@barhoumm.7110]

just tried this restaurant last saturday, pancakes and bacon were delicious! FYI if you dont want to wait 1-2 hours, reserve in advance

[@samuelstevenson1986]

13:12 chef licks his finger after putting jam on the comp biscuit with said finger.

[@evalaurio3408]

I would love more behind the scenes at different eateries.

[@temporamen]

Being able to see the innerworkings of a typical restaurant is such a fun amazing opportunity and gives even more appreciation for the work they do. Good video.

[@oliviavizza8731]

That was really well made. A joy to watch and so intriguing. Gotta check this place out now

[@disturbedmindclothing7566]

i worked at a restaurant and i love how instead of looking for who to blame of the mistake that happened, they worried about how to fix the problem and get going

[@SuperMustache555]

Absolutely love this lowkey vibe, this was a super interesting watch

[@fredflinstone6135]

It's just.. night and day. The difference of a poached egg perfectly poached being put on a potato pancake. Perfection.

[@cherishireland9194]

Food looks awesome, I love how no one looks like they are about to die or get screamed at. Thanks for a look into the magic and mayhem. You're job is not valued enough and I hope more people appreciate your attention to detail.

[@helenm6732]

Love “run that 7 grain through again”. Real food, great technique and PRESENTATION PRESENTATION!

[@Delzak]

God I could not imagine having to poach eggs in a busy kitchen environment. That guy is a super star.

[@spinachtriangle]

I'm a vegan but enjoyed watching this to see how well this all runs, loving this series

[@Cobalt360Degrees]

I hope the poor employee who put the camera over the heat didn't get too chewed out for the melting incident.

[@vr0k3n]

that was probably bon appetit's crew XD

[@tuckerpiedmont]

Prob quickly relegated the BA prod assistant to dish station for the rest of the shoot

[@joshpainter4543]

Ha ha I think that was ba’s idea

[@seanhettenbach2101]

That maple butter is such a boss concept. Nice

[@AsianFoodNerd]

A VIP Pass behind the curtain. Bravo. Keep these coming 🚀

[@Britty0189]

When working in a kitchen, and it’s ran right, man you can feel the energy, it’s a great experience to be honest.

[@yurimajic]

One of the best burgers in the city. Cool to see where it's made

[@richardnedbalek1968]

12:29 Salmon Benedict and a Blue : “Yes, that’s for me! I’m over here!” 😋

[@sasha_nivar]

This was amazing to watch! thank you for the inside look into your kitchen definitely want to go and dine in some day soon

[@staffanestberg]

Please keep this type of series going, such amazing insights!

[@sangyenamdrol9392]

😭he brings tears to my eyes. This is how food should be made. I live in Nepal, i have to move to be near to this restaurant

[@penelopeispenelope]

This restaurant is actually so yummy I’ve been coming here since I was in high school over a decade ago. I would come with my high school sweetheart 🥰 It’s almost annoying that it’s so good because it’s very popular thus making the wait pretty long. That being said it’s worth the wait and I’m a fan of the banana walnut pancakes actually !! I love both but banana has my heart.

[@b0bminjarez554]

I’ve never really worked in a restaurant like this so it’s very interesting to see how it all works behind the scenes and the communication between the different teams!

[@dannyr333]

This was absolutely my fave episode of any type of food or restaurant in the day of the life or like digging into how other restaurants do it And the owner is so calm and cool headed tho what a good place those caramelized bananas look amazing!!! Thanks for the video!

[@loungelizard3922]

Nice to see a manager who appreciates their staff. Why did I watch this before bed.

[@CHEF8FOOD]

THEE BEST DAMN BREAK DOWN OF HOW THINGS RUN.....MUCH APPRECIATED

[@chefhomeboyardee8]

A harmonious dance of hospitality chef. Bravo

[@marcoabagachan]

this is top-tier content, thank you to everyone involved who put this together

[@emanminus]

This made me cry. Like it was so healthy to see such an environment

[@peanutismint]

This was fascinating and awesome and I hardly ever comment here any more. I always assumed with the sheer volume of these places most stuff would be reheated but it's all fresh. Impressive. Can't wait to visit next time I'm in NYC!

[@andalongjacket]

This is *fascinating* to watch. More of this please!

[@zellodine4708]

Wow. This is how every restaurant should operate! Beautiful. I wish i could try the food. Maybe one day...

[@samanthahenick1342]

absolutely loving the new style of videos you’ve been putting out! all the features on these different restaurants has been super interesting!

[@norelisivelisse3005]

I want more of this.. our work as cooks is like an orchestra BOH is pure 🔥

[@6047-y7x]

please make more of these into a whole big series

[@Brightly2109]

i could listen to this guy's voice all day

[@maskinbeauty3734]

Delicious food made by thoughtful and hardworking people. Thats how a successful business is run. Thank you for your service,

[@HotHoneyAndSpice]

I have an immense appreciation for restaurant chefs and line cooks and this is why! Great look behind the scenes!

[@PeaceWarMostlyWar]

What an organized kitchen. Between that and the talented cooks, no wonder business booms

[@SuperBigblue19]

Finally, a properly made omelet that isn't over cooked on the outside like I see on so many POV restaurant videos. You can see this restaurant puts out high quality food with fresh ingredients. Many places use pre-made stuff for high volume, but these guys have been able to keep a high standard with increased volume.

[@AlejandroGarcia-tb8qq]

Been cooking professionally for 17 years now. Love the chaos. It's not for everybody.

[@carebodai1440]

i am currently jobless but watching this videos makes me super hyperactive, can't wait to get back and feel that kitche rush.

[@pushing2throttles]

Been to NYC dozens of times. I've missed Clinton st bakery everytime. I swear, after watching this I'm on Delta airlines website looking for flights to Kennedy or laguardia just so I can eat there. Oh my God they look amazing!

[@dillonuzzell572]

Dude, I wanna work for this guy. What a great leader, making me actually miss the line

[@gardencookeat22]

Love this! Like listening to "Goodfellows but for restaurants lmao

[@alexiamartin3540]

my adhd was very pleased to be able to watch multiple things at once

[@awwwkitteh]

I don't say this lightly but Clinton St Baking Co has the best blueberry pancakes I've ever had. The wait is worth it.

[@GStarrahhxx72]

I really love the inside look into the kitchen and how well explained everything was!! The video is amazing as well as the voice over too. More videos like this please. Neil amazing kitchen!!🎉

[@kevinmurphy2739]

I can watch this all day long. Love seeing the back of the house working.

[@rhizotomy]

“and then we took the book away” 😂

[@edwardchester1]

Great narration and generally fascinating to watch. Best BA video I've watched in a long time (not watched many since the big exodus, mind).

[@andrewg4771]

Congrats on the James Beard nomination for this!!!

[@Msladyrae92]

I worked in restaurants for many years as a server, expeditor and hostess. This is a fun training video for those that are interested in working in hospitality.

[@frenchyalicea649]

Gotta love how at min 5:02 he actually looked as if he was handing a fry pan to Carlos and could've burned his hand big time. Jeesh

[@septemberquest6393]

Very well done video focusing on the daily dynamics of a busy ,well run kitchen...would like to see more...how about Olive Garden? Kudos!

[@NinaLon]

Loved this and Neil has such a soothing voice!

[@3Dprint4you]

Licking his fingers and continuing on preparing and serving food!

[@sbeezyhoe]

“we’re going left to right, because i’m a lefty” LEFTY RECOGNITION ❤️❤️ i’m left handed too!

[@SMiTCHexe]

“I want to rub this butter all over my partners body” “and then we took the book away” 🤣

[@Battlefront528]

Phenomenal content - really enjoying the increased highlighting of commercial kitchen/line work on this channel

[@adam_g.]

For as many pancakes as he claims to sell, I'm super surprised they don't use pancake guns to dispense the batter MUCH easier than ladling across the grill. Your cooks will thank you!

[@janeperanteau6129]

His voice makes me feel like I could do it. He's like me. And I want to do what he does, to run such an excellent place where I want to eat everything. What expertise!

[@izolme15]

This is gorgeously made and edited and narrated

[@jvmartiniano]

MAKE IT A SERIES PLS THIS IS GREAT

[@useruske]

seeing the actual moments on how the kitchen on the busiest restaurant is so awesome to witness!

[@kelseycorazzini1963]

I loved this! Could watch a thousand more featuring different restaurants

[@topnineshow]

Wow, that's one hella busy kitchen and smooth operation!

[@talha6998]

This guy is narrating like he's Henry Hill from GoodFellas XD 🤣

[@johnnyboy55]

“As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a restaurant owner.”

[@talha6998]

@@johnnyboy55 haha 😂

[@MauriceelHelou]

buddy licked his fingers at 13:10

[@upmysleeves3]

I wanna see a couple cameras in Starbucks in a morning rush. Gotta be fun.

[@Meganithmaizel]

As a former barista at Starbucks for 3 years. It can be fun… at least i had fun. But also can be very stressful.

[@kanehiro4635]

I think it depends on the team, bad team=stress good team= fun

[@Guateco]

depending on the starbucks, you'll see some cockroaches running around with the baristas.... lol

[@kaikalino7349]

This is one of my go to spots in Manhattan! I love this crew!!! They are always having fun but my gosh do they function like a well oiled machine! If I’m going for sweet: blue berry pancakes is a necessity 😂 along with turkey bacon and a cappuccino. When I’m in the mood for savory it has to be either the Spanish scramble with reg coffee OR Chicken & freakin Waffles with a latte!

[@aest2and114]

Love this video, hopefully you guys post more videos of other kitchens.

[@chrismatheson4376]

Beautiful! Every blessing 🙏

[@Jodisallaboutjodi]

Loved this. Loved the narration (charming) and the filming.