Sweetbitter, Spicy Hot!
A Peek in the Kitchen of a Sexy NYC Bistro
Stephanie Danler‘s debut novel, Sweetbitter, published in 2016, tells a semi-autobiographical story loosely based on the author’s own life as a young woman working at an exciting, upscale New York City restaurant. Just two years later, the novel has been turned into a television series on the STARZ network.
Sweetbitter stars Ella Purnell as the fresh-off-the-boat waitress, Tess. Purnell is a relatively unknown young actor; though she had small roles in mainstream films like Kick-Ass 2 and Maleficent, as well as a leading turn in the indie hit, WildLike. But this is easily her most high-profile gig to date. The series also stars up-and-coming young actors like Caitlin FitzGerald (Masters of Sex) and Tom Sturridge (Pirate Radio). Based on the actors alone, Sweetbitter has definitely piqued our interest.
The world of high-end Manhattan restaurants doesn’t seem particularly high-stakes, but it certainly is for those involved in the day-to-day operations of the Union Square Cafe, the main setting of the story. Such is the power of television to make any occupation feel like an intense adventure every day, even when it’s not a matter of life and death; just a matter of spice balance and keeping the rats out.
Sweetbitter debuts May 6 on Starz.
