Innovative Portland-based publishing model Publication Studio is putting out a new novel by its founder, Matthew Stadler. A murder mystery set in the mountain city of Guanajuato, Mexico, the plot of Chloe Jarren's La Cucaracha unfolds at sumptuous dinner parties and gritty bars. According to the author, “the deluded optimism of 21st century neo-liberal politics” is a central theme. How fitting then that, this month and next, the author will be promoting the book on Publication Studio's 12-city “NAFTA” tour of North America at which local chefs at each stop will prepare a variation of carne en su sugo to soothe the tequila-addled bellies of attendees.

A collaboration with One Pot and Third Place Press, these sit-down affairs will take place at book stores, hotels, and Publication Studio satellites from Chiapas to British Columbia June 21-July 12. The Los Angeles installment is going down on June 27th “in a ruined Los Feliz mansion,” with food prepared by Portland chef Colleen French, creator of the Renegade Dinner Club. There's no password that we know of, but if you want to face-plant in some carne, click on for more information and to purchase tickets.

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