BARRIO CAFE™

PESCADO estilo AGAVERO

Pan Seared Halibut with Agavero Citrus Sauce served over Sauteed Spinach and Almonds

16      oz       Halibut filet(s)

6        oz       Agavero Tequila

16      oz       Organic baby spinach

1        clove   garlic

1        ea      shallot

1/8     cup     toasted almonds slices

2        oz       butter

                   olive oil, as needed

                   salt and pepper, to taste

1. cut two 8 oz filets of halibut and season on presentation side with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. in a heated sauté pan add a drizzle of oil (enough to lightly cover bottom of pan) and add fish filets presentation side down.  Sear until presentation side is caramelized then gently turn to continue cooking on other side until fish is done.
3. in a heated sauté pan add a light drizzle of oil, add shallots and sauté until shallots start to turn a pale caramel color.  Add garlic and continue to sauté until garlic starts to turn a pale caramel color.  At this point, carefully add Agavero (keep away from open flame)

S I L V A N A    S A L C I D O    E S P A R Z A

chef Silvana Salcido Esparza was raised in a traditional Mexican family.  During her childhood Silvana's parents owned and operated the first and only Mexican bakery in Merced, located in central California.

Chef Silvana father's craft of baking was learned from his father before him, who in turn learned it from his wife's family.  The family tradition of baking can be traced back to France and brought to Mexico with the migration there during the reign of Maximilian & Carlota.  However, the Salcido baking history dates back to the 1200’s where the de Salcido's were Royal Pastry Chefs to King Alonso El Sabio of Spain. 

This bakery was truly a family affair for it was here that chef Silvana found her love and passion for the kitchen and 'back of the house' thus building a strong foundation for future as a chef.  Cooking with her grandmother 'Silvana' and her mother Leonor is where she leared that love is the key ingredient to making stellar Mexican cuisine.  Following her father's legacy was easy and only natural for Silvana.  Chef Silvana explains; "I have always felt my family's history run through my vains.  I have followed my heart and do what I love - how lucky can I get!"

Fulfilling a lifetime goal, in the year 2000 & 2001 Silvana embarked on an adventure of discovery.  She traveled throughout Mexico's back roads and small villages learning more about her Mexican heritage, customs, people and, most of all, the food.

Through her culinary experiences as a child and her travels, chef Silvana developed her own style of Mexican cuisine.  Silvana likes to refer to her version of taditional and typical Mexican cuisine as Modern Mexicana or Urban Mexicana.  This original and fresh style is the result of Silvana's own interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine and influences from her mother and grandmother, her own heritage, experiences and travels.

Click on photograph of chef Silvana

to watch her interview with the Hallmark Channel.

Double click on camaera.