LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Matteo’s Mexican Food is one of the standout restaurants in the Las Cruces area, known for its vibrant flavors, warm hospitality, and made-from-scratch meals that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
In this week’s Do Your Job segment, KFOX14 Forecaster Hannah Fresquez traded in her weather charts for a chef’s apron as she stepped behind the scenes to experience firsthand what it’s like to be a cook at Matteo’s.
The culinary journey began with one of the restaurant’s most refreshing staples — the aguas frescas. From horchata to hibiscus and pineapple, these homemade drinks are not only popular with customers but also require just the right balance of flavor and freshness. Hannah got a hands-on learning experience on how these drinks are prepared in batches each morning, picking up tips from the staff on how ingredients are selected for perfection.
From there, it was straight into the hustle and heat of the kitchen, where Hannah got ready to prepare two of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
First up, Matteo’s award-winning flauta plate, known for its crispy texture and savory fillings. Hannah fried, and plated the flautas, discovering that the little details are key for a successful plate.
Next, she tackled a New Mexico favorite — the enchilada plate. As she layered the tortillas, smothered them in green chile, and added the finishing touches.
Throughout her time at Matteo’s, Hannah experienced the fast-paced rhythm of the kitchen and gained a new appreciation for the precision that goes into each meal. More than just cooking, the job demanded focus, coordination, and heart– something the staff at Matteo’s clearly put into every plate they serve.
You could see the heart put into the restaurant when Hannah asked one of the owners Melody Rios her favorite part about the job,
My favorite, I would say is waking up every morning and having this as my reality to serve our community, our family recipes for my children to grow up in this legacy of Matteo’s Mexican Food and to serve our community and serve our family recipes.
By the end of her shift, Hannah had not only worked up a sweat but also left with a full heart and a few new skills — and of course, a satisfied stomach. With bellies full and smiles all around, it was clear that her time at Matteo’s was a flavorful success.
Want to try Matteo’s Mexican Food yourself? They are happy to serve you at four locations in Las Cruces, El Paso and Alamogordo.
If you want Hannah to “Do Your Job,” email her at [email protected].
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