Pair the classic Roast Beef Sandwich with 'Upgrades' by Blake Crouch and a glass of the bold "Red Castle Smash." This combination of savory beef, thought-provoking thriller, and rich beverage creates an immersive experience, inviting you to savor every bite, page, and sip. Crouch's narrative intensity and the drink's depth elevate this dining experience, making it perfect for an afternoon of suspense and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of roast beef, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of crusty bread (such as ciabatta or baguette)
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of fresh arugula or lettuce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 4 slices of provolone or cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly toast the slices of bread until they are golden brown. This will give the sandwich a nice crunch and help prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Condiments: In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Spread this mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start by layering the thinly sliced roast beef on the bottom slice of bread. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Vegetables: Place the thinly sliced red onions, tomatoes, and fresh arugula or lettuce on top of the roast beef.
- Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, place the slices on top of the vegetables.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Top the sandwich with the other slice of bread, condiment side down.
- Serve: Cut the sandwich in half if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious roast beef sandwich with your favorite side dish or chips!
Upgrade
In 'Upgrade,' Blake Crouch delves into a world of possibilities and moral dilemmas as the protagonist navigates a scientifically evolving society grappling with potential superhuman abilities.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “If Michael Crichton had written a superhero novel, it would look a lot like Upgrade.”—The New York Times Book Review “You don’t so much sympathize with the main character as live inside his skin.”—DIANA GABALDON, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Outlander series “Mysterious, fascinating, and deeply moving—exploring the very nature of what it means to be human.”—ALEX MICHAELIDES, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient and The Maiden ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Time, She Reads The mind-blowing new thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter and Recursion—currently in development as a motion picture at Steven Spielberg's Amblin Partners “You are the next step in human evolution.” At first, Logan Ramsay isn’t sure if anything’s different. He just feels a little . . . sharper. Better able to concentrate. Better at multitasking. Reading a bit faster, memorizing better, needing less sleep. But before long, he can’t deny it: Something’s happening to his brain. To his body. He’s starting to see the world, and those around him—even those he loves most—in whole new ways. The truth is, Logan’s genome has been hacked. And there’s a reason he’s been targeted for this upgrade. A reason that goes back decades to the darkest part of his past, and a horrific family legacy. Worse still, what’s happening to him is just the first step in a much larger plan, one that will inflict the same changes on humanity at large—at a terrifying cost. Because of his new abilities, Logan’s the one person in the world capable of stopping what’s been set in motion. But to have a chance at winning this war, he’ll have to become something other than himself. Maybe even something other than human. And even as he’s fighting, he can’t help wondering: what if humanity’s only hope for a future really does lie in engineering our own evolution? Intimate in scale yet epic in scope, Upgrade is an intricately plotted, lightning-fast tale that charts one man’s thrilling transformation, even as it asks us to ponder the limits of our humanity—and our boundless potential.
Discussion Questions
- How does the concept of upgrading humanity challenge our understanding of identity and ethics?
- What are the potential societal impacts of advanced genetic modifications as imagined in the book?
- Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist in terms of personal and professional responsibilities.
- How does Crouch use scientific advancements as a narrative device to explore human nature?
- In what ways does the book address the theme of unintended consequences?
- How do the relationships among characters evolve with the power dynamics introduced by upgrades?
- What parallels can be drawn between Crouch's world and current technological advancements?
- How does the author balance scientific exposition with character development?
- What role does fear play in the decision-making processes of the characters?
- How might empathy be altered in a world where upgrades are possible?
Authors:
Blake Crouch
ISBN: 1234567890123
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published Date: 2023-06-27
ISBN: 1234567890123
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published Date: 2023-06-27
Red Castle Smash
A rich and bold cocktail that complements the savory flavors of the Roast Beef Sandwich, featuring a blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a hint of rosemary.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- Sprig of rosemary for garnish
- Lemon twist
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon twist.