60 reviews
I just watched this to pass the time, but I thought it was intriguing enough and found myself finishing the first season. It has the sweetness of a chick flick and the bitterness of an angsty indie film. The main actress is very beautiful and she is captivating to watch. The supporting actors played their parts well. It leaves me feeling empty watching it...there's something sad about the atmosphere of the show...but at the same time it has a dream-like quality about it that makes me long for it. The only thing I don't like about it is how angry or tired of life everyone is, but I think that's what the show wants to evoke. I do look forward to season 2 and more character and storyline development. And I do crave the show.
A familiar story of a young girl heading to the big city to find herself and grow a personality. Ella Purnell is the sweet girl who has not yet revealed the bitter but shows hints of a steel core. She is taken on to train at Howard's (Paul Sparks - last seen in Waco) posh restaurant and her future family (one guesses) is there in the kitchen and front of house. Speaking as a former restaurant manager, she is given a surprising amount of freedom as a probationer (scoffing oysters in the cold store while quaffing champagne?) but I guess that can be called poetic licence.
All told I will be giving it a chance to grow on me.
- lectureral
- May 6, 2018
- Permalink
I managed to watch the entire first season in one day. It was good. Not great. Not terrible. IMO, if you want a fair review of this series, ignore all the one and ten star ratings. They simply are not realistic. It moves a little slow at times but the characters all become likeable in their own way. Never having worked in the food service industry, I can't say how accurately life is portrayed. Most of the characters seem depressed and without hope (and high :) all the time however, so that seems a bit over-played. The one aspect I found exceptionally annoying is how Tess is constantly portrayed as the "wide-eyed country bumpkin" stepping foot into the big city for the very first time. It was sort of cute in the first episode. It gets pretty old by the 6th episode. Started Season 2. Seems on-track so far.
- goddardm-79801
- Jul 19, 2019
- Permalink
Just finished season 2 on the starz app and loved it! Give us a season 3 with more episodes!
- leahvivette
- Sep 15, 2019
- Permalink
With short a short synopsis, I delayed watching this show until very recently. After reading 'Kitchen Confessions', by the late great Anthony Bourdain (Parts Unknown on CNN), I asked myself, how come there's such a huge void for series offering a raw authentic view behind the scenes in the kitchen life? Other than the movie Burnt starring Bradley Cooper and the first season and done AMC series starring Ross from friends, I don't recall great content filling this void.
First, this series isn't exactly dedicated to the culture of a chef's life or how intense the world of serving is working world wide renoun star rated restaurants, well, kinda.
This show is on the caliber of series like Flesh and Bone, The Girlfriend Experience, and Mozart in the jungle. Though these shows are entirely different, they share the same kind of unniverse and platform; STARZ, except for Primes Mozart.
Sweet bitter is very engaging and each episode ends too quickly as you want it to continue much longer since each grows as the minutes go by with intrigue, same with the seasons. The lead is very seductive and likable as shes so amiable and graceful. We know nothing about her history for half the first season, as it remains intriguing to learn who she was before moving to NY and what kind of life she led. I was very surprised to read the negative reviews and felt like I watched a different show. Our first impression of her is she's moved to a city, NYC, that seems like it's the last place for her.
She works in NYC best notable restaurant owned by the great actor from House of Cards (the author Francis employed to write the book), and his onscreen presence captures the restuarants tone so well. The behind the scenes look is always compelling and portrays how difficult it is to be a server in upscale places.
But
This show is less about plot, and more about characters. I personally dont give a damnas like as the writing is great! And thus it is. It's a series that naturally grows letting the characters aet the pace in their actions and decisions first. This series is massively underrated and a 7 on here is just comical!
I have a high standard when it comes to investing my time in a series and these days not many shows Wow me or making me binge like a few years ago. This is very addicting and the reason I added the names kd the above shows, is because if you liked any of them, you will surely like this one.
Dismiss the low rating and negative comments. But then not people appreciate these kind of unique and very different shows.
First, this series isn't exactly dedicated to the culture of a chef's life or how intense the world of serving is working world wide renoun star rated restaurants, well, kinda.
This show is on the caliber of series like Flesh and Bone, The Girlfriend Experience, and Mozart in the jungle. Though these shows are entirely different, they share the same kind of unniverse and platform; STARZ, except for Primes Mozart.
Sweet bitter is very engaging and each episode ends too quickly as you want it to continue much longer since each grows as the minutes go by with intrigue, same with the seasons. The lead is very seductive and likable as shes so amiable and graceful. We know nothing about her history for half the first season, as it remains intriguing to learn who she was before moving to NY and what kind of life she led. I was very surprised to read the negative reviews and felt like I watched a different show. Our first impression of her is she's moved to a city, NYC, that seems like it's the last place for her.
She works in NYC best notable restaurant owned by the great actor from House of Cards (the author Francis employed to write the book), and his onscreen presence captures the restuarants tone so well. The behind the scenes look is always compelling and portrays how difficult it is to be a server in upscale places.
But
This show is less about plot, and more about characters. I personally dont give a damnas like as the writing is great! And thus it is. It's a series that naturally grows letting the characters aet the pace in their actions and decisions first. This series is massively underrated and a 7 on here is just comical!
I have a high standard when it comes to investing my time in a series and these days not many shows Wow me or making me binge like a few years ago. This is very addicting and the reason I added the names kd the above shows, is because if you liked any of them, you will surely like this one.
Dismiss the low rating and negative comments. But then not people appreciate these kind of unique and very different shows.
- Br4ve-trave1or
- Sep 23, 2019
- Permalink
After watching Belgravia, I was intrigued by Ella Purnell. I thought her performance was the best part of the very British drama Belgravia, and I was curious to see what else she had done.
Ella's British accent was gone as she entered the big city alone and determined to experience everything.
I did enjoy Ella Purnell's performance, but the show struggled in season 2 in particular. It seemed like the show knew it was going to be cancelled and tried to wrap up storylines too quickly at the end of the season.
The Good: I enjoyed hanging out with the staff and getting to know each character. I feel like Simone, Sasha, Ari, and Heather are all part of my life now. Ella had great chemistry with Caitlin FitzGerald who played Simone. I found their relationship the most intriguing, and I would have liked to have seen them explore this on a physical level as well.
The Bad: I had a love with the restaurant in season 1 along with Tess. The restaurant itself loses the feeling that Tess talks about during her job interview in season 1. Perhaps it's intentional to show that Tess is seeing the reality of the restaurant the longer she works there. Howard is getting creepier, the flowers that Tess loved so much in season 1 are gone, shocking horrid scenes in episode 1 season 2 replace the beautiful atmosphere of the restaurant that we grew to love in season 1.
There's only so many nights as a viewer I can hang out at "Home Bar".
The showrunner's never fully explore Tess' family life before she gets to NYC. They do bring up issues in season 2 that allow Tess to reveal more about her past. But it really only touched the surface. Tess at the beginning of the series seemed extremely secretive about her past. We do learn a few things about her, but there were more possibilities to explore.
This was actually a bit of a period piece. The showrunner's intentionally placed the show in the 1990's before cell phones took over. There was a behind the scenes video after one of the episodes explaining how it was different to experience things on your own without posting it to the entire world on social media. The series focus was on walking with Tess as she filled her life with as many new experiences as possible. Tess was extremely open to experience everything she could and take it all in. The episode where she runs out to experience the first snow encapsulated this ongoing theme. Perhaps the showrunners are disillusioned with our current times where people experience so much of their life through their phones.
Conclusion: I'm happy I got to see Ella Purnell before Belgravia. I thought she had excellent performances throughout the series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters at the restaurant. I was disappointed they didn't fully develop the relationship between Tess and Simone. My favorite episode was when Tess spent the day with Simone eating grilled cheese and taking a nap in her tub. The showrunners decided to spend more time with Tess and Jake instead. I found that decision regrettable and less interesting. I do think the series ran its course after 2 seasons. I'm not surprised it wasn't picked up for a third. But I thoroughly enjoyed my time in NYC with Tess, Sasha, Ari, Simone, Heather and Will.
Ella's British accent was gone as she entered the big city alone and determined to experience everything.
I did enjoy Ella Purnell's performance, but the show struggled in season 2 in particular. It seemed like the show knew it was going to be cancelled and tried to wrap up storylines too quickly at the end of the season.
The Good: I enjoyed hanging out with the staff and getting to know each character. I feel like Simone, Sasha, Ari, and Heather are all part of my life now. Ella had great chemistry with Caitlin FitzGerald who played Simone. I found their relationship the most intriguing, and I would have liked to have seen them explore this on a physical level as well.
The Bad: I had a love with the restaurant in season 1 along with Tess. The restaurant itself loses the feeling that Tess talks about during her job interview in season 1. Perhaps it's intentional to show that Tess is seeing the reality of the restaurant the longer she works there. Howard is getting creepier, the flowers that Tess loved so much in season 1 are gone, shocking horrid scenes in episode 1 season 2 replace the beautiful atmosphere of the restaurant that we grew to love in season 1.
There's only so many nights as a viewer I can hang out at "Home Bar".
The showrunner's never fully explore Tess' family life before she gets to NYC. They do bring up issues in season 2 that allow Tess to reveal more about her past. But it really only touched the surface. Tess at the beginning of the series seemed extremely secretive about her past. We do learn a few things about her, but there were more possibilities to explore.
This was actually a bit of a period piece. The showrunner's intentionally placed the show in the 1990's before cell phones took over. There was a behind the scenes video after one of the episodes explaining how it was different to experience things on your own without posting it to the entire world on social media. The series focus was on walking with Tess as she filled her life with as many new experiences as possible. Tess was extremely open to experience everything she could and take it all in. The episode where she runs out to experience the first snow encapsulated this ongoing theme. Perhaps the showrunners are disillusioned with our current times where people experience so much of their life through their phones.
Conclusion: I'm happy I got to see Ella Purnell before Belgravia. I thought she had excellent performances throughout the series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters at the restaurant. I was disappointed they didn't fully develop the relationship between Tess and Simone. My favorite episode was when Tess spent the day with Simone eating grilled cheese and taking a nap in her tub. The showrunners decided to spend more time with Tess and Jake instead. I found that decision regrettable and less interesting. I do think the series ran its course after 2 seasons. I'm not surprised it wasn't picked up for a third. But I thoroughly enjoyed my time in NYC with Tess, Sasha, Ari, Simone, Heather and Will.
I love a show that can make you feel something and this does not disappoint. It's about creating an experience. Feeling and learning new things for the first time and growing into the you that you want to become. Girl in the city working at a sexy restaurant growing into her own. I also love the breakdown of the taste and sexual sensation aspects. Can't wait for more.
- ashlee_doolin
- Jul 22, 2019
- Permalink
I've read the book that the show is based on and it was incredibly relatable due to the fact of working in restaurants for awhile. So hopes were pretty high on this. The pace and storytelling is great so far but the casting for a few characters is definitely questionable, especially Tess. Giving it a shot for the first season, hope it lives up to potential.
I decided to give this a shot after seeing constant ads, also being a New Yorker with some experience in fine dining I was interested enough. Unfortunately there were so many glaring issues with this adaptation. The most frustrating part is there are glimmers of what could've been a great show throughout, opportunities squandered at every turn.
One of the main issues is our star, Tess. It's hard to distinguish if it's mainly the fault of the writer, director or actor, but all three do their fair share to poison the pot. I get they are going for doe-eyed naivety but come on, give the audience a little credit, or the character some dimension. Everything, I mean everything she looks at she's gawking as if she has just discovered there are other humans on this planet- get's old real quick. Not to mention it's just not believable. NO ONE with her behavior (won't even discuss lack of experience) would last a day in that industry. However, I'm more than willing to suspend belief for plot but this show doesn't deliver the goods. The show does not give you any reason to root for her success except that she is the obvious protagonist and well, I guess you just should. She isn't particularly hard working or respectful, she walks around in a self absorbed bubble the entire season. For a coming of age there is little, if any personal growth exhibited on her end.
All of the secondary characters are painfully one note. The season would have been more interesting had they paid more attention to some of them or even made it an ensemble show, as following wide eyed Tess around all day gets tiring. Then there's oh-so-troubled-Jake and I'm-so-illusive Simone. They both seem to have these massive fronts to feign the audience into intrigue, but I'm guessing not much is behind either door. There was no resolution into the season long tension within the 3 or insight into their motivations. The writers either didn't have answers or are holding out hope for a second season, either way not much happens in the first season besides the answer to if Tess will become a permanent hire.
Luckily it's a short watch and they didn't milk this plot for a longer run time. I may even give it a chance if it gets renewed, hoping they juice up the writing, flesh out the ensemble and someone slaps that look off of Tess's face.
This plays on so many cliches of the food industry but they are all true. I relate to all the characters and the scenarios. I think it is well done and I can't wait to see where it goes. I hope people give this show a chance.
- katswiftphotography
- Jun 16, 2018
- Permalink
First lines got me hooked. Very, very smart writing, and these genius lines do show up every once in a while. First 3 episodes were nice, but then it just doesn't go anywhere. Right now I'm watching episode 4 from season 2 and I have the feeling nothing happened.
- danilomello20
- Oct 12, 2021
- Permalink
- connolley325
- May 15, 2018
- Permalink
It's hard to believe 2006 NYC is that far in the past, but this was a very good depiction of that time and the higher end food service industry. It even looks like they filled some kitchen scenes in the basement of someplace like Union Square Cafe, which is highly specialized.
The music was on point. Smoking was still a thing. Drugs are show almost LESS intense than they are even today. Sex is pretty accurately portrayed as less crazy as people imagine.
The characters are pretty accurate for the time. Honestly, it was very entertaining and felt like a small time capsule. Great acting, set design, costumes, etc.
The music was on point. Smoking was still a thing. Drugs are show almost LESS intense than they are even today. Sex is pretty accurately portrayed as less crazy as people imagine.
The characters are pretty accurate for the time. Honestly, it was very entertaining and felt like a small time capsule. Great acting, set design, costumes, etc.
I was put off by that because I've found that in recent years writers are skewing that tone and I find much of it hard to enjoy. This is NOT that however, I understand why someone made that mistake but indeed the mistake was made. {added post reading his full review} ok so yes that reviewer is correct about the writer wasting 2 enormous opportunities for character development, and tbh it bothered me as well but this too does not have any of the hallmarks of the millenial sect
Potentially the worst actress in a lead role. Writing direction and rest of cast enjoyable but oh my God. Dreadful. I slog through it because of them.
- kellylivesay
- Sep 1, 2019
- Permalink
I just binge watched season 1 and 2 of this show and am itching to watch mire and I'm totally bummed it's cancelled. Makes me so disappointed because I lived the characters and the storyline. I really hope they bring it back which is doubtful but dang!
- mysticfyrefly
- Jun 28, 2022
- Permalink
The wife and I enjoyed it. It had good character development and rang true to life for anyone who has worked retail. Hollyweird had to throw in about 20% of the characters were jazz hands because it's artsy? Overall a fun ride. After two seasons we are tired of the drama and the lack of direction. Story about a small-town girl from Ohio who moves to the big city alone (gasp) and gets a job at a posh restaurant with all the internal drama from that family of people. She tries drugs and alcohol and spas and men .. kind of floating along. We are amazed at the number of scenes of her walking alone, late at night, through slums and the heart of NYC .. sometimes just barely dressed, never mugged or raped or even approached. Really? Have you been to the rotten apple? Fifth highest crime rate in the USA for huge cities. Seems like what someone who has never been to NYC thinks it is like -- from 1960 movies. I think the show has played itself out. We probably won't stick around for season three.
- iamjamalwhite
- Sep 10, 2019
- Permalink
WOW!
This has to be the best young adult coming of age story for adventuresome intelligent 20 somethings.
The key word's being intelligent & adventuresome not gaming in mommy & daddy's basement.
The upper end food service industry & the comraderies of friendships to be made makes for a lifetime of memories & sets you up for the challenges of life to come.
There is a reason why 70% of college grads start & end up there, not in their area of education.
Very well written & perfectly casted.
This is a "GEM" to be enjoyed over & over.
Thank you for entertaining me & bring back memories of my 20's
The first few episodes was super relatable, endearing and educational but it went nowhere soon after.
They should've gone the Fargo way with a handful of entertaining plots but they had to go the ever boring "Friends" route just maybe because of Brad Pitt's involvement in the production.
They should've gone the Fargo way with a handful of entertaining plots but they had to go the ever boring "Friends" route just maybe because of Brad Pitt's involvement in the production.
I gave the series a shot out of desperation from lack of anything new to watch, so my expectations were fairly low going in.
Yikes, it's bad. Surprisingly bad. The lead actress is very pretty, but looks alone is clearly not enough. I can't tell if it's her acting or if it's the director's fault, but her "I'm so wide-eyed and curious," bit made my gorge rise. I wanted to poke her with something sharp.
I'd rather watch a "Survivor" rerun than this drivel.
Yikes, it's bad. Surprisingly bad. The lead actress is very pretty, but looks alone is clearly not enough. I can't tell if it's her acting or if it's the director's fault, but her "I'm so wide-eyed and curious," bit made my gorge rise. I wanted to poke her with something sharp.
I'd rather watch a "Survivor" rerun than this drivel.
- SusanLervold
- May 14, 2018
- Permalink
When I see any of the negative reviews here, I think the reviewers seem so cynical and full of themselves. I think the characters are engaging from the start. I see a young women trying to connect and figure out who her relationships are to be with, that the show feels real, and 20 times better than the usual crap on TV. I'll binge watch the show.
- lillianwickram
- Jul 9, 2019
- Permalink
We know what bittersweet is, but what is sweetbitter? A taste for seasoned palates, perhaps? I intend to find out as I watch beyond the first three episodes of this series starring Ella Purnell as a twenty-two-year-old who moves from rural Ohio to New York City on a journey of discovery.
In the first episode, she finds employment in a upscale restaurant. She is surrounded by people who seem to have the key to an exclusive club that is foreign to her. Everything seems to come easy to them, so she studies their every word and movement.
This is, obviously, a fish-out-of-water story melded with a coming-of-age story, and much of its success hangs on Purnell's believability and the viewer's desire to follow her down the rabbit hole. Fortunately, her character is likable and she portrays well the earnest innocence of "the new kid".
The show's attention to detail is apparent in every set, every action. The casting is near perfect, surrounding Purnell with characters you want to learn about.
The music deserves mention. It feels perfectly wedded to every scene.
The writing is nuanced and sparse (in the best way).
In one scene, the main character is walking across the Williamsburg Bridge and I felt I could smell the oily, human dirtiness of the city.
If you watch the first few episodes, notice how many times they mention the main character's name. It's a small item, but it informs the viewer in a subtle way.
In the first episode, she finds employment in a upscale restaurant. She is surrounded by people who seem to have the key to an exclusive club that is foreign to her. Everything seems to come easy to them, so she studies their every word and movement.
This is, obviously, a fish-out-of-water story melded with a coming-of-age story, and much of its success hangs on Purnell's believability and the viewer's desire to follow her down the rabbit hole. Fortunately, her character is likable and she portrays well the earnest innocence of "the new kid".
The show's attention to detail is apparent in every set, every action. The casting is near perfect, surrounding Purnell with characters you want to learn about.
The music deserves mention. It feels perfectly wedded to every scene.
The writing is nuanced and sparse (in the best way).
In one scene, the main character is walking across the Williamsburg Bridge and I felt I could smell the oily, human dirtiness of the city.
If you watch the first few episodes, notice how many times they mention the main character's name. It's a small item, but it informs the viewer in a subtle way.