Love “Tony”? Dig Into Karen Stabiner’s Food Memoir “Try One Bite” — Read an Excerpt! (Exclusive)

**A Culinary Journey of Self-Discovery: Karen Stabiner’s ‘Try One Bite’**

Karen Stabiner’s forthcoming memoir, *Try One Bite*, encapsulates her personal odyssey of rediscovering her love for dining out after the end of a long-term marriage. This forthcoming book, set to be released by She Writes Press in March 2027, offers insight into how the author turned to the world of restaurants as a means to navigate through the emotional upheaval brought on by her separation, moving from Los Angeles to New York City.

Stabiner, an accomplished food journalist with a lifelong passion for gastronomy, reflects on her intimate relationship with the dining scene. For her, restaurants have always represented a sense of community and connection with others. However, the end of her marriage prompted a profound shift that allowed her to re-immerse herself in the culinary world that had once been a comfort. “It would have been all too easy to disappear. I chose instead to stage a comeback, menu in hand,” she stated, underscoring her determination to reclaim her identity through the simple yet powerful act of sharing meals.

The premise of *Try One Bite* is built around the idea of culinary exploration, not just for flavour but as a form of self-therapy. Stabiner’s new routine involved frequent visits to restaurants, whether dining alone, with friends or family, or even with a long-acquainted companion. This exploration became a pathway for her to rediscover herself amidst the chaos of her personal life.

The title of the memoir pays homage to a lesson from her childhood, specifically her father’s encouragement to “try one bite” of new foods encountered during family visits to restaurants. These experiences stemmed from his profession in selling restaurant supplies, leading to delicious, sometimes unfamiliar meals. “When my life collapsed and I had to figure out a new one, in my sixties, ‘try one bite’ came back to me,” Stabiner reflects, illustrating how early life experiences influenced her current reality.

Amidst her explorations, Stabiner also emphasises the importance of recognising the hard work of those who labour in the restaurant sphere. She acknowledges the complexities and challenges that restaurants face and seeks to amplify the voices of those who play vital roles in this industry. “We hear so much about restaurants’ backstage chaos and challenges. I wanted to add a voice to the chorus, one that says thanks to the restaurant people who work hard every day to do it right,” she noted, demonstrating her appreciation for the intricate web that supports this communal dining experience.

In one poignant excerpt shared with the media, Stabiner recalls a special birthday when her daughter urged her to celebrate by dining out alone. Despite the chill of November in New York City, the thought of enjoying a meal at Via Carota became a journey towards reclaiming self-worth and independence. “Being a singleton in a busy restaurant took energy, but I was sick of my dinnertime rationales. It was time to let people take care of me, even if they were strangers,” she writes, touching on the transformative power of social interactions and dining experiences.

Stabiner’s reflections go beyond mere dining experiences to delve into deeper themes of age, identity, and societal perceptions of women. She candidly considers the challenges faced by women like herself, who grapple with the complexities of aging in a culture that often overlooks them. “Older women are that last ant-sized line on the eye chart — the one they don’t even ask you to read because it’s beside the point,” she muses, pointing to the need for visibility and recognition.

The memoir not only showcases Stabiner’s culinary adventures but also serves as a testament to resilience and the necessity of forging one’s own path, particularly in the face of adversity. By setting her sights on a new life in Los Angeles post-New York, Stabiner embarks on an ambitious quest to reclaim her identity, ignited by the daring spirit of a woman determined to embrace her future.

As Stabiner prepares for the launch of *Try One Bite*, readers will find inspiration in her journey of self-discovery and the therapeutic power of food and community. Scheduled for release on March 16, 2027, Stabiner’s memoir promises to resonate with anyone who has faced challenges in life and found solace in the simple act of sharing a meal. Pre-orders are now available, inviting culinary enthusiasts and memoir lovers alike to partake in her compelling story of resilience and rediscovery.