This pairing invites you to savor the juicy and flavorful Picanha, a Brazilian barbecue classic, while diving into the intriguing world of 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Known for its thick layer of fat that caramelizes perfectly, Picanha pairs well with the haunting, atmospheric mystery of the book, which is enhanced by a smooth Red Blend wine. The combination provides a perfect leisure experience, allowing you to enjoy the depth of the novel while indulging in a culinary delight. Together, the dish, book, and wine create a rich and immersive evening of taste and storytelling.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lbs Picanha (top sirloin cap), with fat cap intact
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meat: Pat the Picanha dry with paper towels. Score the fat cap with a sharp knife, creating a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. Rub the entire piece of meat generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Grill method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a rotisserie, skewer the Picanha and cook for about 30-40 minutes, rotating until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. If grilling directly, place the Picanha fat-side down first and sear for about 6-8 minutes until the fat is crispy. Flip the meat and continue grilling on the other side until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Rest and slice: Remove the Picanha from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the meat against the grain into thin slices, starting from the narrow end.
- Serve: Serve hot, traditionally with sides like chimichurri, rice, or grilled vegetables.
Mexican Gothic
A captivating gothic horror novel set in 1950s Mexico about an isolated mansion, a chilling family, and a brave socialite drawn to a house in distress.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “It’s Lovecraft meets the Brontës in Latin America, and after a slow-burn start Mexican Gothic gets seriously weird.”—The Guardian ONE OF TIME’S 100 BEST MYSTERY AND THRILLER BOOKS OF ALL TIME • WINNER OF THE LOCUS AWARD • NOMINATED FOR THE BRAM STOKER AWARD ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, NPR, The Washington Post, Tordotcom, Marie Claire, Vox, Mashable, Men’s Health, Library Journal, Book Riot, LibraryReads An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic aristocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets. . . . From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) set in glamorous 1950s Mexico. After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region. Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom. Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind. “It’s as if a supernatural power compels us to turn the pages of the gripping Mexican Gothic.”—The Washington Post “Mexican Gothic is the perfect summer horror read, and marks Moreno-Garcia with her hypnotic and engaging prose as one of the genre’s most exciting talents.”—Nerdist “A period thriller as rich in suspense as it is in lush ’50s atmosphere.”—Entertainment Weekly
Discussion Questions
- How does the author use the setting to enhance the gothic elements of the story?
- What cultural elements are most prominent in the novel, and how do they affect the narrative?
- How does the novel explore themes of power and control, especially in relation to family dynamics?
- What role do secrets and uncovering hidden truths play in the story?
- How do the characters change or evolve throughout the novel?
- Discuss the use of horror and suspense in 'Mexican Gothic'. How effective are these elements in driving the story forward?
- Examine the gender roles presented in the book. How does the protagonist challenge or conform to these roles?
- What are the moral implications presented by the novel's plot and characters?
- How important is cultural identity in the development of the storyline?
- Discuss the ending of the novel. Did it provide closure, or did it leave you wanting more?
Authors:
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
ISBN: 9780525620785
Publisher: Del Rey
Published Date: 2020-06-30
ISBN: 9780525620785
Publisher: Del Rey
Published Date: 2020-06-30
Smooth Red Blend Wine
A well-balanced red blend with notes of dark fruits, spice, and a touch of vanilla, perfect for pairing with rich, grilled meats like Picanha.
Ingredients
- A bottle of Red Blend wine (e.g., a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot)
Instructions
- Chill the wine to around 60-65°F (15-18°C).
- Open the bottle and let it breathe for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Pour into wine glasses and enjoy with your meal.