Step 1

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 2

In a medium gratin dish or baking dish, make a bed of herbs with the thyme, parsley and bay leaves, scatter the garlic on top. Reserve 4 parsley sprigs, for garnish. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper and lay on top of the herbs. Add in the vermouth, and drizzle 2 tablespoons of the oil over the fish, cover loosely with foil. Bake until the fish is opaque, about 20 to 22 minutes.

Step 3

Carefully, pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and set the fish aside. Keep the garlic and 4 thyme sprigs for garnish. Bring the sauce to a boil, over high heat, reduce by about 1/2, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. De-bone the fish; running a spoon handle along each side of the center bone, then lift the bone out. Peel side off and discard. Divide fish steaks in half crosswise, among 4 serving plates. Pour sauce over fish and serve with a dollop of tapenade, if using, on top and garnish with the thyme sprigs, garlic, and tomatoes.

Step 4

To make the tapenade: Combine the olives, oil, thyme, and lemon zest, stir to combine. Season with pepper and set aside.