Show 442, September 11, 2021: Chef Raymond Alvarez, Esperanza Cocina de la Playa and Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group

Raymond Alvarez of the Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group

The newly opened Esperanza Cocina de la Playa in Manhattan Beach is under the culinary direction of Corporate Chef Raymond Alvarez and Head Mixologists John Fox (GM) and Kevin Williams (Beverage Manager.) Chef Ray is the busy Corporate Executive Chef for the Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group (Baja Sharkeez, Panama Joe’s, Killarney’s, Sandbar, Palmilla and Tower 12.)

“Esperanza beckons guests with modern interpretations of traditional Sonoran cuisine and an expertly crafted bar program. The team tapped award-winning architect and designer Gulla Jónsdóttir to create Esperanza’s sophisticated, coastal design, which incorporates handcrafted materials, furniture, and décor from around the world. With its prime location just blocks from the Pacific, Esperanza’s sophisticated vibe and design blends beach town elegance with modern cool.”

Specialties include Ceviche Pineapple Camarones with prawns and a tajin mango chamoy broth, Playa Shrimp Taquitos with fresno aioli, jalapeno crema and queso fresco, and Achiote Beso Salmon with a crispy sweet corn cake, tomatillo chipotle salsa and jalapeno crema.

Chef Raymond takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.