For a delightful culinary and literary evening, pair the Easy Steak Nachos with R.F. Kuang's 'Babel' and a Tequila Sunrise cocktail. 'Babel,' a story steeped in the intricacies of language and power, finds its perfect match with the vibrant and communal nature of nachos, inviting discussion and shared experiences. The Tequila Sunrise, with its lively blend of citrus and the invigorating agave spirit, mirrors the novel’s shifting tones and deep reflections, making every bite and sip a conversation starter. This trio not only promises a burst of flavors, both literal and metaphorical, but also a feast for the mind and palette alike.

Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (12 oz) tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Steak:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced steak, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Nachos:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the chips.
- Evenly distribute the cooked steak, black beans, corn, jalapeño slices, and the remaining cheese on top.
Bake:
- Place the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Fresh Toppings:
- Remove the nachos from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.
Serve:
- Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Babel
A deep dive into the world of language, power, and colonialism set in the 19th century, addressing how language is used and its implications.
THE #2 SUNDAY TIMES AND #1 NYT BESTSELLER 'One for Philip Pullman fans' THE TIMES 'This one is an automatic buy' GLAMOUR 'Ambitious, sweeping and epic' EVENING STANDARD 'Razor-sharp' DAILY MAIL 'An ingenious fantasy about empire' GUARDIAN Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal. Oxford, 1836. The city of dreaming spires. It is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world. And at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows. Orphaned in Canton and brought to England by a mysterious guardian, Babel seemed like paradise to Robin Swift. Until it became a prison… But can a student stand against an empire? An incendiary new novel from award-winning author R.F. Kuang about the power of language, the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance. 'A masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. BABEL is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a riveting blend of fantasy and historical fiction – a monumental achievement' Samantha Shannon, author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE R.F. Kuang's book 'Babel' was a New York Times bestseller w/c 11-09-2022.
Discussion Questions
- How does 'Babel' reflect the historical significance of language in shaping societies?
- What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters when language is used as a tool of power?
- How does the setting of Oxford add to the book's exploration of knowledge and privilege?
- Discuss how colonialism is portrayed through the lens of linguistic dominance.
- In what ways do the characters grapple with their identities in 'Babel'?
- How does the novel challenge the reader's perception of language?
- Explore the relationship between translation and betrayal as depicted in the book.
- How do the personal conflicts of the characters mirror broader societal tensions?
- What role does magic play in the narrative, and how does it intersect with language?
- How does R.F. Kuang use fiction to critique real-world power structures?
Authors:
R. F Kuang
ISBN: 9780063021436
Publisher: Voyager
Published Date: 2023-08
ISBN: 9780063021436
Publisher: Voyager
Published Date: 2023-08
Tequila Sunrise

A classic cocktail that marries the refreshing sweetness of orange juice with the bold kick of tequila, layered with a beautiful grenadine sunset effect.
Ingredients
- Tequila – 2 oz
- Orange juice – 4 oz
- Grenadine – 1/2 oz
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the tequila and orange juice over the ice.
- Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon so it settles at the bottom, creating a sunrise effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry before serving.