A native of El Salvador, Chef Gaston Alfaro was introduced to cooking at an early age by his grandmother who he witnessed making pasta from scratch and other classic Italian dishes. His self-taught passion for culinary creation has continued throughout his 30-plus year career in the restaurant and hotel industry.
Working with colleagues from Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, China and Japan allowed the chef to pick up even more knowledge about flavors and recipes from many cultures. As a result, Alfaro has become an alchemist of sorts, with an ability to meld flavors and techniques from different cuisines for a vibrant menu that resonates with global flavors, which are a perfect complement to the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company’s menu of California Coastal cuisine. Since arriving at the Brewing Company in April of 2009, Alfaro has added fusion-style dishes such as a seared ahi tuna with wasabi, soy and pickled ginger; and Yucatan-style halibut with the smoky flavor of achiote.
We asked Chef Gaston what his cooking philosophy is. “I’ve been playing with food since I was a little kid and in a way, I’m still playing — making a mess in the kitchen, having fun, and creating. But the best part is,” he explains, “now I’m getting paid for it. What more could I ask for?”
Portuguese Fisherman’s Stew
1/2 tsp of oil
1/4 tsp chopped garlic
2 oz linguiça sausage
2 oz green onion
2 oz red onion
2 oz diced tomato
2 oz fennel
1 tsp cilantro
1 tsp basil
1 oz lemon juice
2 oz white wine
2 oz mahi mahi
2 oz salmon
4 clams
4 mussels
4 prawns, peeled with tails on
4 oz chicken stock
2 oz butter
pinch of chili flakes
salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. Sauté the garlic, linguiça sausage and onion for 30 seconds over medium-high heat.
2. Add all the other vegetables and herbs, and cook for one minute.
3. Add lemon juice and white wine, mahi mahi and salmon, cook for one minute.
4. Add clams, mussels and prawns, chicken stock, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Cook for two minutes and finish with butter.
5. Serve with two slices of garlic bread.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is located at 390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
+1 650-728-2739
Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday — 11:30am – 9pm
Friday — 11:30am – Close
Saturday — 9:00am – Close
Sunday — 9:00am – Close
A chef by profession, a foodie at heart. He's been passionate about food and cooking since he was young. He is the online Community Manager of FriendsEAT.
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