Pan-Seared Halibut with Tomato Vinaigrette

In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes and their juices with the shallots, garlic, vinegar, chives, parsley, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of the ground fennel. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of ground fennel with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture all over the fish. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Add the halibut and cook over moderately high heat until browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip the fillets and add the butter to the skillet; spoon the butter over the fillets as they cook, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer the halibut to plates, spoon the tomato vinaigrette on top and serve.