Main Dishes

Gringas Tacos, Classic Margarita, and On the Come Up

June 8, 2025
editor
"Gringas Tacos", with their savory mix of al pastor and cheese in a flour tortilla, pairs beautifully with "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas and a Classic Margarita. This pairing blends the rich, flavorful tacos with the complex narrative and societal themes explored in the book, while the refreshing Margarita cleanses the palate and complements the vibrant Mexican flavors.
Gringas Tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 pound al pastor meat (or marinated pork)
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced pineapple (optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salsa of your choice
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Cook the Al Pastor: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the al pastor meat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If using diced pineapple, add it during the last few minutes of cooking to caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Assemble the Tacos: Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add a few spoonfuls of the cooked al pastor meat over the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to help the cheese melt and the taco hold its shape.
  • Grill the Tacos: Cook the taco for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted inside.
  • Serve: Remove the taco from the skillet and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Garnish with chopped onion, cilantro, and your favorite salsa. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

On the Come Up

On the Come Up

On the Come Up is Angie Thomas's compelling follow-up to The Hate U Give. It’s the story of Bri, a young rapper who dreams of making it big in order to lift her family out of poverty. As Bri reaches for success, she must confront the challenges of racial stereotyping and economic adversity.
As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time– and has massive shoes to fill. She's been labeled a hoodlum at school, and the fridge at home is empty after her mom loses her job. So Bri pours her anger and frustration into her first song, which goes viral — for all the wrong reasons. Portrayed by the media as a menace, Bri makes a choice– and becomes the very thing the public has made her out to be. The odds are stacked against her, and freedom of speech isn't always free.–Adapted from jacket.

Discussion Questions

  • What are the main themes explored in On the Come Up?
  • How does the author address issues of race and identity in the book?
  • In what ways does Bri’s story mirror the experiences of many young people today?
  • How does the book portray the challenges of pursuing dreams against societal odds?
  • What role does family play in Bri's journey?
  • How does Bri's relationship with music reflect her inner struggles and aspirations?
  • What impact does the setting have on the narrative?
  • How does Angie Thomas use secondary characters to enhance the storyline?
  • Discuss the portrayal of economic struggles and their impact on the characters.
  • What are your thoughts on how the book ends? Was it a satisfying conclusion for Bri's story?
Authors: Angie Thomas
ISBN: 9780062498564
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Published Date: 2019

Classic Margarita

Classic Margarita
A Classic Margarita brings together lime's brightness and tequila's punch for a refreshing cocktail that perfectly accompanies the vibrant flavors of Mexican dishes like Gringas Tacos.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces silver tequila
  • 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
  • Salt for rimming the glass
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

  • Rub the lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into the salt to coat.
  • Fill a shaker with ice and add the tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau.
  • Shake well until chilled.
  • Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.