Meet Yara Herrera | Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yara Herrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yara, how do you think about risk?
I am a strong believer that without taking risks I wouldn’t be where I am today. Pursing a career in a competitive, white male dominated industry has presented unique challenges as well as opportunities. One of the biggest risks I took was moving across country from California to New York. At the time I’d never really lived anywhere other than the San Fernando Valley. When I was given the opportunity to move to New York to cook, I had many emotions but being terrified was at the top of the list. I was at a point in my career where I thought I was a good cook, but I felt like I still needed validation. New York has always been recognized for its culinary scene. They say if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere, and I wanted very badly to find out if I had what it takes to make it in the culinary industry. I left California with two suitcases, and made my way to New York where I had zero friends and family. Granted I did already have a job lined up. I was focused and I was on a mission.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am currently in the process of opening a bar in Ridgewood, Queens called Hellbender Nighttime Cafe. It is a margarita/ agave bar serving anywhere from classic cocktails to nerdy bartender drinks, as well as late night food. I am the executive chef and partner in this business. It is not my first executive chef title, but it is my first time teaming up with other business partners and learning the ins and outs of what it takes to open an establishment from step one. I think as a team we’ve really come together to build something special. I’ve taken influences from my Mexican heritage and combined them with techniques that I’ve learned working in different kitchens over the last ten years, Throw in some New York flare and you’ve got Hellbender Nighttime Cafe.
Along the way I’ve learned being an executive chef isn’t about cooking for yourself, and many days you are doing any cooking at all. For me it’s about taking step back and looking at the bigger picture. I ask myself “what does this neighborhood need?” “how do I find a balance between heritage and innovation?” “am I setting a good example in leadership for the next generation?”
Being able to remain confident, is a whole other challenge in itself. Before I was approached with the opportunity to open this establishment, I had to make myself the brand. Yara Herrera is the brand. Yara Herrera is the name that I worked hard to promote. I put myself out there in hopes of one day I’d find myself in a situation where someone wants to fund my dreams. And it’s finally happening as we speak and I’m really very proud of myself. I’d want the world to know that I gave blood, sweat, and tears to achieve what I have now, and I cant wait to share my successes with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in New York it’s almost impossible to narrow down my favorite spots but here’s a selective few. I’ve been living in Bushwick for the past 5 years and I’ve really taken the time to explore the area so the majority of my favorite places are close by.

Favorite Lunch spots
Mikes Coffee Shop – Fort Greene
Buddah Bodai – Chinatown
For All Things Good – Bedstuy

Favorite Dinner Spots
Rolos – Ridgewood
Sobre Masa – Bushwick

Favorite pizza slice
L’industrie – Williamsburg

Party time/dancing
Nightmoves – Williamsburg
Nowadays – Ridgewood

Bars and bevs
Palmetto – Bushwick
101 Wilson – Bushwick
KCBC Brewery- Bushwick

Art
David Zwirner Gallery
MoMa Ps1

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Nobody deserves a bigger shoutout than my mother. Throughout the years, through thick and thin, highs and lows, she has supported me in everyway possible. She raised me to always stand up for what I believe is true, stand up for those who cant stand up for themselves, and over all resilience, understanding that the world isn’t perfect and sometimes you have to roll with the punches.

Instagram: yaraherrerayara

Image Credits
Chris Bradley