Elote with Cotija on Bakery Rack in Margilan

Golden corn kernels glisten with a heavy coating of melted butter, topped with a generous mound of crumbled white cotija cheese. A wedge of bright green lime rests beside the cob on a white ceramic plate. The plate sits atop the wire grid of a metal cooling rack, its silver bars casting thin, sharp shadows across the surface. Late afternoon light falls through sheer curtains, softening the edges of the food while a warm lamplight begins to settle into the room's corners. The early winter air is suggested by the cool tone of the metal rack against the warm, appetizing glow of the grilled corn. A small smear of lime juice catches the light on the plate's rim.