Main Dishes

Chicken Tacos, Classic Margarita, and The Sun Down Motel

June 28, 2025
editor
The vibrant and spicy nature of Chicken Tacos pairs beautifully with "The Sun Down Motel" by Simone St. James, a thrilling mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, complemented by the refreshing zing of a classic Margarita. Both the book and beverage offer the perfect companions to the richness of the tacos, providing a captivating balance of flavors and themes. The mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere of "The Sun Down Motel" mirrors the bold spices used in the chicken tacos, while the crisp and tangy Margarita refreshes the palate, making each bite and chapter a delightful experience.
Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  • In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice or shred the chicken and squeeze lime juice over it.

Warm the Tortillas:

  • In a clean, dry skillet, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are pliable and slightly charred. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.

Assemble the Tacos:

  • Fill each tortilla with a portion of the cooked chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, cotija cheese, and avocado slices.

Serve:

  • Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy immediately.

The Sun Down Motel

The Sun Down Motel

A thrilling mystery set in a long-abandoned motel, where every room holds dark secrets and ghosts from the past. As Viv delves deeper into the mysteries of the motel, she uncovers a chilling connection between the past and the present, her courage tested at every turn.
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Something hasn’t been right at the roadside Sun Down Motel for a very long time, and Carly Kirk is about to find out why in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls. Upstate New York, 1982. Viv Delaney wants to move to New York City, and to help pay for it she takes a job as the night clerk at the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. But something isnʼt right at the motel, something haunting and scary. Upstate New York, 2017. Carly Kirk has never been able to let go of the story of her aunt Viv, who mysteriously disappeared from the Sun Down before she was born. She decides to move to Fell and visit the motel, where she quickly learns that nothing has changed since 1982. And she soon finds herself ensnared in the same mysteries that claimed her aunt.

Discussion Questions

  • What impact do the dual timelines have on the tension and suspense of the story?
  • How does the setting of the motel contribute to the overall atmosphere of the book?
  • In what ways does Viv demonstrate her bravery throughout the novel?
  • How do the ghosts in the story symbolize unresolved issues from the past?
  • What role does family history play in shaping the characters' actions and motivations?
  • Discuss the use of supernatural elements—how essential are they to the story's mystery?
  • How does the author build a sense of mystery throughout the novel?
  • What are the ethical implications of Viv’s investigations into the hotel’s history?
  • How does Simone St. James blend traditional mystery with supernatural horror in her storytelling?
  • In what ways do the characters’ personal struggles mirror the haunting events at the motel?
Authors: Simone St. James
ISBN: 9780440000174
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2020-10-20

Classic Margarita

Classic Margarita
A tangy and refreshing cocktail, the Classic Margarita boasts vibrant flavors of lime and tequila, with a hint of orange liqueur. Perfect for sipping alongside your meal, this beverage adds a refreshing element to any dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
  • Salt for rimming the glass
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

  • Run a lime wedge around the rim of a chilled margarita glass and dip it in salt to coat.
  • In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
  • Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over ice.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel.