This pairing brings together the indulgence of a Grilled Tomahawk Steak with the captivating mystery of 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides and the classic elegance of a glass of Red Wine Sangria. The bold flavors of the perfectly grilled steak are complemented by the rich and fruity notes of the sangria, creating a symphony of taste and experience. Reading 'The Silent Patient' will immerse you in a thrilling narrative, enhancing your dining experience, while the drink provides a refreshing accompaniment, balancing the hearty steak. This combination offers an evening of culinary delight, sophisticated sipping, and thought-provoking reading.
Ingredients
- 1 tomahawk ribeye steak (2-3 pounds, about 2 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Remove the tomahawk steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before grilling. This ensures even cooking.
- Season the steak: Rub the steak all over with olive oil. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, pressing the seasonings into the meat.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to high heat, around 500°F (260°C). If using a charcoal grill, prepare a two-zone fire, with one side hot for searing and the other cooler for finishing the steak.
- Grill the steak: Place the tomahawk steak on the hot side of the grill. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until a nice crust forms. If flare-ups occur, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill momentarily.
- Finish cooking: Move the steak to the cooler side of the grill. Add the fresh rosemary, thyme, and crushed garlic to the top of the steak. Close the grill lid and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: 125°F (52°C) for rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium. This usually takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill.
- Rest the steak: Remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Top with butter and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Serve: Slice the tomahawk steak against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
The Silent Patient
The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, inexplicably shoots her husband and then stops speaking. Theo Faber, a forensic psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth of what happened, leading to shocking revelations. This debut novel from Alex Michaelides is both a mystery and a deep dive into the psyche, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and redemption.
**THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** "An unforgettable—and Hollywood-bound—new thriller… A mix of Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy." —Entertainment Weekly The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him….
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Alicia stopped speaking after the incident?
- What role does Theo's own past play in his obsession with Alicia?
- How does 'The Silent Patient' explore the theme of identity?
- What are the different types of silence the book portrays?
- How did the structure of the novel, with its alternating timelines, affect your understanding of the story?
- Discuss the psychological themes present in the book.
- In what ways is the art in the novel significant to the plot?
- How did your perception of the characters change throughout the novel?
- What did you think about the twist at the end? Did you see it coming?
- How does the novel comment on the idea of redemption?
Authors:
Alex Michaelides
ISBN: 1250301696
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2019-02-05
Red Wine Sangria
Red Wine Sangria is a refreshing and fruity drink that perfectly complements the rich flavors of a Grilled Tomahawk Steak. With its robust red wine base accented by citrus and berries, this sangria offers a delightful balance that enhances the meal without overpowering it. Ideal for enjoying alongside a good book and great food.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine (such as Rioja or Merlot)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries and raspberries)
- 1 cup club soda
- Ice
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, and mixed berries to the pitcher.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, add the club soda to the pitcher and gently stir.
- Serve the sangria over ice in large wine glasses or tumblers.