SHAKE + STIR
Hosted by Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar
These aren’t your average ladies who lunch at the latest installment of Shake+Stir. Hosted by Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar, the establishment recently relocated to the Park Place shopping center from the Fig Garden Loop area. Katie Zenovich, Karen McCaffrey, Victoria Sherlock, Tracy Kashian, Amanda Jones, and Sontaya Rose joined Editorial Director Lauren Barisic for a tasting of three house-favorite cocktails, four top menu picks, and a decadent dessert hand-selected by the restaurant owners, Alberto Torres and Santos Arevalo.
Katie Zenovich, Karen McCaffrey, Victoria Sherlock, Santos Arevalo, Tracy Kashian, Alberto Torres, Lauren Barisic, Amanda Jones, and Sontaya Rose
The entire menu pays homage to the rich and prolific Latin culture. “When we opened our restaurant, we wanted to create something different,” Alberto explained. “With our dish selections, we want people to explore the different flavors from Central and South American countries, in addition to our modern take on Mexican dishes. We want our guests to have an adventurous culinary experience without leaving the Central Valley.” That’s precisely what was delivered.
For those who prefer a wine-based concoction, their Sangria is available in either a Guava or Classic Red option. When the guava cocktail was presented, the entire table marvelled at its beauty and shared in the excitement of trying something familiar yet new. The pink juice is mixed with white zinfandel wine and a bit of brandy, and garnished with skewered fruits, such as orange, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and a mint sprig. “I would like to return to introduce my girlfriends to the Guava Sangria,” said Sontaya. “It’s a unique take on sangria that’s delicious and perfect to enjoy on a warm Fresno afternoon!”
Sabor’s Guacamole is next level. The traditional avocado, onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño dip is presented with tortilla chips arranged around the perimeter. Colorful garnishes add to the visual experience. “It tastes homemade,” Victoria professed. It’s excellent on its own, but also makes a wonderful accompaniment.
Margarita enthusiasts will be delighted by the creatively diverse selection of drinks featuring the libation’s signature tequila and lime juice baseline. The Flor de Jamaica combines Patrón Silver, hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and agave nectar. “The margarita really stole the show for me,” Amanda admitted. “Not only could you taste the fresh ingredients that complimented the tequila choice, the drink was light, refreshing, and way too easy to have another. I liked that it was paired with the guacamole appetizer because it brought out dynamic flavors and made a classic more complex.”
The Salmon a la Parrilla is, in a word, divine. Picture-perfect lattice grill marks adorn the filet, which is atop a verde salsa. It is served alongside roasted baby potatoes. So simple yet so satisfying, it’s the kind of dish that you could eat daily. “First of all, it is beautifully plated,” Katie remarked of the perfectly cooked fish. “It is unique, fresh, and delicious. I love salmon and order it often. So, I’m particular! I don’t like it dry and over cooked. Nor do I like it too rare. Sabor’s chef knows how to do it! It’s grilled and tender, with just enough char.”
The Bread Pudding at Sabor puts a Latin spin on this English dessert staple. In accordance with the traditional recipe, an eggy bread is soaked in custard, features cinnamon, and is baked until golden. “Loved the bread pudding with a drizzle of syrup, and the scoop of ice cream was refreshing,” applauded Karen. Prepared as an individual serving, it’s topped with vanilla ice cream and horchata syrup. Mixed berries lighten the palate.
Glancing at the group photo, you’d think the ladies had coordinated their outfits ahead of time, but no! To the delight of everyone in attendance, hot pink and florals were obviously trending subconsciously, and the vibrancy of the general wardrobe styling mirrored the evening’s energy—no one wanted to leave when the time came! Sabor’s beautiful atmosphere is warm and inviting, asking its patrons to sit and stay, savor every sip, and celebrate. No matter the occasion, big or small, dining at Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar will leave you relishing the moment and eager to return again.
Features Editor Elisabeth Ross
Photographer Don Dizon
