A conversation with Michael H. Flores

10/15/2009

Chef, author and TV personality

Tell us what you'll be doing at the San Antonio Herb Market this weekend.

I will be using Texas shrimp and making Camarones in Escabeche, pickled shrimp. It's the Mexican method of pickling. In the recipe, the shrimp is cooked and goes in at the last minute. Pickling is a popular way to do side dishes and vegetables in Mexico. It will be a lot of fun and probably not something people have seen or think of doing very much.

What's your association with the herb market?

Well, I am the spokesperson for the Texas Department of Agriculture. I have been for 10 years or so. The local office called and asked if I would do a cooking demonstration.

How do you use herbs in your cooking?

I use herbs as much as I can in my cooking because of the flavor they give. When I teach cooking, I often suggest using dry herbs because it's more manageable for a novice. When a recipe says "bunch of" or "handful," it can be confusing. So when I'm working with everyday cooks, I always suggest dry herbs.

What's your favorite herb to cook with?

The one I use the most is cilantro, and I always use it fresh. It's really the only one I never substitute dry.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I'm really excited. I'm working on a cool project with the Texas Watermelon Association. They have entrusted in me a humongous media campaign doing major TV all over the state involving TV commercials, live in-studio appearances like "Great Day SA" and "Great Day Houston."

When is the rollout of this campaign?

It will launch Memorial Day, so May, June, July and August — those four months you'll be tired of turning on your TV and seeing Chef Michael. I've worked with the Texas Department of Agriculture a long time. I remember as a kid going to Disney World and the guides asking us to "Raise your hand if you're from another country." I would raise my hand and say I was from Texas . . . I always kept that in my mind — Texas has a very dear place in my heart and my goal is to promote the products, culture and communities.

Future plans?

A really big project. It can be hard to find Texas products, and how do we get more of them at all the stores because, in my experience, they may cost more but people may pay more because it comes from this state. But it's bigger than supporting Texas — it has to do with carbon footprints, less pollution because of trucking and more.