Sweetbitter: A novel

Twenty-two, and knowing no one, Tess leaves home to begin her adult life in New York City. Thus begins a year that is both enchanting and punishing, in a low-level job at "the best restaurant in New York City." Grueling hours and a steep culinary learning curve awaken her to the beauty of oysters, the finest Champagnes, the appellations of Burgundy. At the same time, she opens herself to friendships -- and love -- set against the backdrop of dive bars and late nights. As her appetites sharpen -- for food and wine, but also for knowledge, experience, and belonging -- Tess is drawn into a darkly alluring love triangle that will prove to be her most exhilarating and painful lesson of all.