While you’ll never receive judgement from us for re-watching familiar favourites as the weather cools (we’ve got to find comfort somewhere), there’s something thrilling about discovering a captivating, cerebral or comic new release that gets your mind whirring and provides you with ample water cooler chat. We’ve rounded up an edit of the new films and series that have our attention this week, in a bid to provide you with some inspiration — enjoy.
A Man in Full
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:2nd of May
From the Emmy-winning creator of Big Little Lies comes A Man in Full — a star-studded drama based on Tom Wolfe’s novel of the same name. Jeff Daniels stars as Atlanta real estate mogul Charles Croker as he grapples with sudden bankruptcy and seeks to defend his empire against opportunists. Set in a racially diverse, late-century boomtown, Croker navigates his dwindling fortunes, a demanding second wife, and a staggering debt load. The limited series, coming to Netflix this week, offers a nuanced portrayal of Croker as his charisma wanes and allies abandon him. A captivating series which offers a unique satirical reflection on American hubris.
Unfrosted
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:3rd of May
Directed and co-written by Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted stars a comedic ensemble including Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, and Hugh Grant. Set in 1963 Michigan, amidst a breakfast revolution, the film delves into a cutthroat corporate clash over the invention of a groundbreaking pastry — the Pop-Tart. Seinfeld’s long-standing fascination with the iconic snack finally materialises in this tale of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for breakfast dominance. With witty humour and absurdity, the narrative explores the ridiculousness of grown men in suits obsessing over cereal. Premiering on May 3rd, Unfrosted promises a comedic journey through the evolution of a breakfast staple.
John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:3rd of May
John Mulaney returns to the stage with his new Netflix live show, Everybody’s in LA. This eagerly anticipated comedy special promises to deliver Mulaney’s signature wit and humour as he navigates the quirks of Los Angeles life. With his sharp observational comedy and knack for storytelling, Mulaney invites audiences into a hilarious exploration of the absurdities of Hollywood culture and everyday experiences, delivering an evening of side-splitting laughter and relatable insights as the comic brings his unique comedic perspective to the stage once again.
The Sympathizer
Where to watch:Neon Available to watch:now
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer stars Robert Downey Jr. as a master of disguise — portraying all of the characters that make up the vague notion of ‘The Man’ in a tale of a Viet Cong spy infiltrating the South Vietnamese community in 1970s Los Angeles. Navigating themes of loyalty, betrayal, and cultural displacement with gripping intensity, this cross-culture satire explores a tapestry of complex characters and historical context, promising a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of self.
Challengers
Where to watch:In cinemas Available to watch:now
In Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, Zendaya dazzles as Tashi Duncan — a tennis luminary turned coach unapologetically driving her husband’s redemption. Mike Faist portrays her husband, a champion ensnared in a losing spiral, while Josh O’Connor embodies Patrick, his washed-up former friend and Tashi’s ex-lover. As Tashi orchestrates a risky comeback plan, the trio’s intertwined pasts ignite high-stakes confrontations on and off the court. Guadagnino’s signature flair for tension and desire infuses every scene, crafting a fiercely compelling drama. With each volley, Challengers explores the cost of victory, leaving audiences riveted by its sizzling intensity and poignant narrative twists.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the every day, we’ve got just the thing. This edit of new coffee table books is perfect for the escapists amongst us — offering hours of entertainment delighting in fashion, art, travel, and more, all without leaving the comfort of your home. From beautiful imagery to intimate details and untold stories, here are six inspiring coffee table books to acquire now.
Seen through the lens of Oliver Pilcher, this captivating visual journey offers an intimate portrayal of the city that never sleeps. Going beyond New York clichés, the book explores everyday moments and features iconic personalities like Zaldy Goco and Françoise Gilot, giving a glimpse into their creative spaces. Here, Pilcher captures the essence of New York’s diversity, showcasing the metropolis’ sprawling, iconic cityscape through the eyes of artists, writers, designers and chefs who call it home. A vibrant celebration of dreams and possibilities in The Big Apple, New York Chic is a must-have for any well-curated bookshelf.
Take a journey to the most unique, unknown, and remarkable hotels around the world in Secret Stays; an evocative new tome that presents 22 of the world’s most secretive spots. Illustrated by extensive, captivating imagery that celebrates the past and present of each property, within this book you’ll find secluded abbeys, ancient manors, modern homes, larger-than-life mansions, Japanese machiya town houses, and more, accompanied by anecdotes and meaningful insight into the history and best-kept secrets of the properties on the pages.
Delivering behind-the-scenes access to the red carpet looks that made global headlines, Barbie: The World Tour documents the outfits chosen by stylist Andrew Mukamal for Margot Robbie while promoting her groundbreaking film, Barbie. Shot by fashion photographer Craig McDean, Robbie is captured in dazzling outfits, from Schiaparelli to vintage Chanel, showcasing how cleverly Mukamal brought Barbie’s lauded fashion to life. Celebrating the cultural moment of the movie and 65 years of the doll’s captivating legacy, this book is perfect for fashion and Barbie fans alike.
Touted as the definitive exploration of Bulgari’s history of horology and jewellery-inspired creativity, this incredibly detailed and visually stunning book spans over a century of Swiss-Italian watchmaking achievements. Authored by Bulgari’s foremost specialists, Bulgari: Beyond Time comprises captivating illustrations and conversations with key figures, delving into Bulgari’s iconic watch collections to reveal the profound emotional connection each timepiece holds. Insightful essays from global luminaries add depth and cultivate a conversation about the future of watches. Bulgari’s commitment to forging meaningful links across centuries and even, beyond Earth itself.
In this vibrant monograph, explore the tapestry of Julian Schnabel’s artistic universe and his penchant for transforming everyday materials into compelling art. From broken plates to unconventional surfaces like market stall covers, Schnabel’s creativity is famously limitless, and this book offers an intimate portrait of the artist’s unique eye. Whether directing award-winning movies or crafting sculptures, Schnabel’s urgency to infuse life into his work is palpable throughout, making this edition a comprehensive celebration of his multifaceted oeuvre, and a collectable piece indeed.
Chronicling 150 years of maritime excellence, this book (penned by marine journalist Kevin Koenig) celebrates Benetti’s enduring legacy of luxury yacht construction, delving into its evolution from wooden sailing ships to cutting-edge giga-yachts and featuring iconic vessels like El Caran and Nabila. Via exclusive content and unseen photographs, Benetti gives insight into collaborations with renowned designers and prestigious clientele (including Zlatan Ibrahimović), each page reinforcing the brand’s commitment to Italian craftsmanship and sustainability.
Always on-trend, a trench is essential for transeasonal dressing. But not all styles are the same. From oversized to classically cinched, these are the coats to consider this autumn.
Set in a Lower East side tenement in the midst of Covid lockdowns, stranded strangers become friends, and neighbours become community in this heartwarming serial novel. Crafted by literary giants like Margaret Atwood and Celeste Ng, Fourteen Days reveals how, beneath the loss, the pandemic ultimately led to a stronger sense of community and connection.
A tale of family, justice, and the lies that tear us apart, this pulse-pounding new thriller is a sinister look at the lengths we’ll go to for those we love. When TJ, the family disappointment, finds himself with a chance to prove his worth after his ostensibly perfect brother commits a murder, he ends up entangled in a lethal web of deception that forces him to face his demons.
Set to become an instant classic, this inventive new novel by literary icon Julia Alvarez tells the tale of a writer laying to rest her litany of untold tales. Alma Cruz buries the characters whose lives she tried and failed to bring to life; but they have other ideas, and her literary cemetery quickly becomes a mysterious sanctuary for the characters’ true narratives.
This joyful novel tells the tale of a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common: their failed marriages. When Daphne is jilted by her husband after discovering he’s in love with his best friend, she winds up roommates with the only person who could possibly relate: the best friend’s ex. The resulting saga is both hilarious and heartwarming.
In this lively tale of one woman’s quest for a new kind of freedom, an artist struggling with her identity at middle-age embarks on a journey of reinvention. Interrogating the sexual, romantic, and domestic life of a 45-year-old at a crossroads, All Fours is a brave and bold account of life lived as a woman, told in July’s signature bawdy and irreverent prose.
This inquisitive epic charts the astonishing story of a microbiologist who makes an extraordinary discovery that forces into focus everything she thinks she knows about life on our planet. With compassion and curiosity, In Ascension encourages introspection and illuminates matters of the heart, promising an unforgettable journey.
In this blistering, often unsettling and undeniably sharp novel inspired by the convicted con woman and serial killer, ‘The Konkatsu Killer’, Asako Yuzuki explores obsession, misogyny, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan. Through an unexpected bond between a journalist and her subject, Yuzuki tells a riveting tale that is both provocative and thought-provoking.
Orange presents a captivating follow-up to There There, delving into both the past and future, skilfully exploring the repercussions of historical events like the Sand Creek Massacre and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School across a multi-generational tale. Alternating between moments of devastation and wonder, Wandering Stars is a captivating journey for the ages.
Ru Paul’s remarkable life unfolds from his formative years as a queer Black youth in San Diego to his exploration of identity within the vibrant punk and drag communities of Atlanta and New York. Along the way, he discovers enduring love with his husband and embraces sobriety, ultimately leading to his own self-acceptance.
Acclaimed biographer Brad Gooch charts the life of iconic American Artist, Keith Haring — from his initial chalk line scrawls on the subways of New York in the early 80s to the emblematic artist’s untimely demise, Radiant offers a tender glimpse into the magic of a visionary and timeless icon.
In her debut memoir, Jamison explores the intricate realms of motherhood, marriage, and familial bonds with poignant precision. Through vivid storytelling, she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and the healing potency of art in an introspective odyssey — offering a profound reflection on the journey to wholeness.
Crafted in propulsive prose that reads more like a thriller, Cuckooland tells an astonishing story of secrets and lies that reveals how fragile that truth can be. From the best-selling author of Kleptopia, this impressively well-reported work of non-fiction explores how globalisation and technological revolution have combined to imperil the foundation of free societies.
In her signature sharp, and addictive prose, best-selling novelist and essayist Lauren Oyler unpacks the role of cultural criticism in our ever-changing world, encapsulating a host of issues with tenderness and precision, delivering a masterful work of cultural criticism as only she can.
In a collection spanning six short stories and one novella, Amor Towles interrogates topics from the male ego to fate, and the pivotal role compromise plays in modern marriages. The novella, set in the midst of Hollywood’s golden age, tells the story of the indomitable Evelyn Ross who makes a snap decision that alters her life forever.
One of the greatest writers of our time delivers yet another glimmering anthology of stories and parables that unlock the mysteries of the human condition. Addressing the quandaries of the universe — Maktub inspires a journey of faith, self-reflection, and transformation as Coelho taps into universal truths about humanity.
Like Love offers a vibrant collection of essays spanning two decades of insightful work. From profiles to critical essays, Nelson explores themes of love, friendship, and queer issues, alongside tributes to cultural icons, offering a window into her personal evolution while exploring the impact of art and artists on her life.
The denim double-up is proving its high fashion potential this season with a raft of chic, timeless, and versatile pieces to carry you from this season to the next. From playful 90s-inspired bags and accessories to must-have jeans in a myriad of washes and silhouettes, and the oversized jackets and shirts sure to add a contemporary edge to any outfit, here, we round up the pieces our editors are coveting this season, each deserving of a place in your seasonal wardrobe.
You needn’t think your seating can only be rendered in the usual neutral tones. Add a hint of vibrancy to your space by, instead, selecting a sofa, stool or chair in the deep, serene hues of blue. Befitted to most spaces and sure to add a touch of modern luxury to your home, blue — in all of its myriad shades — is sure to endure.
Where I started:Waiting tables at St. Petersburg Restaurant in Parnell (aged 16). Where I am now:Founder of Bayside Rum Co. & Bar Manager at Ahi.
It was sitting in an accounting class, reading a cocktail manual behind his course notes that Egor Petrov first realised, definitely, that hospitality had his heart. When I ask him where it all began, he tells me that his earliest memory of appreciating flavours was as a child, exploring his grandparents’ expansive garden. “We’d get out of the car at my grandparent’s house and run straight into the garden, picking raspberries, smelling herbs and exploring all of the fruit and vegetables they grew. I found it fascinating,” he recounts. It’s little wonder, then, that Petrov’s first job was in a restaurant, waiting tables at St. Petersburg Restaurant in Parnell. “My first customers were on a hens do, and they all totally loved me,” laughs Petrov, “I had no idea what I was doing, but I figured it out pretty quickly.”
After school, Petrov liked the idea of working for a luxury hotel, so set his sights on Melbourne where he secured a job as a concierge at The Hilton. The atmosphere of a hotel, he tells me, was great, but the corporate structure didn’t suit him. He returned home and landed a role at Showcase Hospitality, before moving over to The Britomart Hospitality Group, and it’s within these businesses that he found his groove in the industry and built a solid foundation for all that followed. After running a few bars in the city, Petrov was offered an incredible opportunity as the Beverage Director of a social & dining destination in Dubai — which then led to a job with Sean Connolly as part of the pre-opening team at his Dubai Opera eatery, before moving on to become the head of beverage for Dubai’s largest hospitlaity group, which counted Burj Khalifa as one of its many establsihments. Petrov remained there for several years before heading back home during Covid to start his rum company, Bayside Rum Co.
“With Bayside Rum Co. I’m able to use all of the skills I’ve accumulated across my career, and knowledge of the industry [to make something] that I’m proud of.”
The accumulation of a vast career spanning multiple countries, establishments, and roles set the foundation for Petrov’s own spirits company, but, despite his extensive experience, network of contacts, and incredible insight into the inner workings of a hospitality business, it’s still been a steep learning curve. “Starting a business isn’t easy, but the growth has been incredible,” says Petrov. “I’m doing it all on the side while maintaining my role as the bar manager at Ahi, so it’s busy to say the least,” he continues, “But really fulfilling, too.”
Running Bayside Rum Co. and having full control over production has allowed Petrov to really harness his creativity and tap into his passion for incredible produce (something that began all those years ago in his grandparent’s garden), and experiment with fermentation — another interest of his, to create something truly unique. “Drinks have always been how I’ve channelled my creativity. With Bayside Rum Co. I’m able to use all of the skills I’ve accumulated across my career, and knowledge of the industry — paired with my personal interests, to make drinks that I’m proud of,” he tells me.
The advice he’d give to someone starting out is to stay curious and not be afraid to ask questions. “Working in a bar, you meet so many people — take the time to get to know them, as you never know what might come from a conversation,” he says “That, and prioritise your health from the beginning. There’s a real temptation working in a bar or restaurant to burn the candle at both ends, but that will only lead to poor health and resentment,” says Petrov. “If you want to succeed, and last the distance, taking care of yourself is key.”
Despite only being 34, Petrov has so much behind him, but when you ask — he’ll tell you this is just the beginning. With big plans to expand on Bayside Rum Co.’s offering this year, with two new rums in the works that he hopes will set the brand apart on the world stage, and the introduction of his incredible house-fermented sodas and cocktails at Ahi, Petrov is a prime example of how much hospitality has to offer those willing to earn their stripes.
Where I started:Polishing glasses at a bar in San Sebastian (aged 17). Where I am now:Customer Experience Manager at Allpress.
Walk into Auckland’s Drake Street Allpress on any given day and you’ll be met with Xabi Gutierrez’s megawatt smile and quintessentially Spanish, spirited persona. By your second visit to the bustling café, he’ll not only know your name, but what mood you’re in — and exactly what it is that you need.
This innate penchant for connection was a gift passed down from Gutierrez’s mother, who placed a huge emphasis on cooking and hosting throughout his childhood. It’s this that inspired the San Sebastian native’s reverence for the preparation and serving of food — although the eating part didn’t come quite so naturally. “I wasn’t a good eater growing up,” he laughs, before confessing “My mum eventually got so fed up with me not eating the wonderful food she prepared, that one night, she plonked a whole steak on my head.” It was then that Gutierrez first developed an appreciation for what was put on his plate, and the process of getting it there, and it was this — paired with a childhood spent watching his mother serve food with an easy warmth and generosity, that ultimately led him to pursue a career in hospitality.
After getting a taste for the vibrant food and drink scene in his hometown of San Sebastian, where there are more Michelin starred restaurants per capita than anywhere in the world, Gutierrez caught the bug, and the rest, as they say, is history. His first gig polishing glasses in a local bar quickly turned into more, and before long (after attending culinary school with the goal of becoming a chef), he found himself behind the pass of a busy restaurant in central London. While he loved the creativity of cooking and the frenetic atmosphere of a kitchen, it was the opportunity to meet people and build relationships that excited him most. “Working in the kitchen was great, but to me the food was a tool for service — what it was really about was what I could give to someone; how I could look after them,” he says, before continuing, “I quickly realised that out on the floor I could connect with people directly.” And so began his career as a waiter. He’s never looked back.
“For me, it’s the desire to give, and the ability to really connect with someone… pick up on whether they’re sad or happy… or need cheering up — that’s what [my job] is really about, and the reason I love it.”
Gutierrez worked in lively restaurants and gastro pubs in London for years, including stints at both Gordon Ramsay’s and Jamie Oliver’s famous eateries, before making his way to New Zealand where he worked for Mark Wallbank at Rocco and Natalia Schamroth and Carl Koppenhagen at The Engine Room, before landing at Allpress, where he’s spent the last decade happily solidifying himself as one of the most recognisable (and likeable) figures in Auckland’s daytime hospitality scene.
And it’s still the promise of connection — really getting to know someone on a deeper-than-surface level, that keeps him motivated. “Anyone can carry coffee to a table,” he says without a hint of arrogance, “But what does it mean?” “For me, it’s the desire to give, and the ability to really connect with someone and know what’s going on in their lives; pick up on whether they’re sad or happy; when they want to chat or need cheering up — that’s what [my job] is really about, and the reason I love it,” Gutierrez tells me.
When I ask what advice he’d offer someone looking to get started in hospitality, he says that you can’t be afraid of working hard, before adding “You get out of it what you put in. If you’re willing to give to people and make their days a little better with a positive experience, what you get back in return will surprise you.” And, that’s the thing about the industry — if you have the desire to give it everything, the opportunities it will offer in return are endless. And Xabi, the man with the infectious energy and magnetic personality, who found his calling in making his customers’ morning coffee run the highlight of their day, is proof of just that.
Where I started:Making burgers at McDonalds as part of their ‘Kiddie Crew’ (aged 9). Where I am now:Co-Owner of Bar Magda.
“My dream has always been to have my own restaurant,” Carlo Buenaventura tells me, speaking from the dining room of Bar Magda, the Cross Street venue he co-owns, known for its unique style of contemporary Filipino fare. Growing up in the Philippines, Buenaventura was drawn to food and service from observing the careful ways in which his mother and grandmother would prepare meals for the family. “Food is a big part of our culture in the Philippines,” he tells me. “It’s a means for us to gather and celebrate, whether it’s harvest season or Christmas, there’s always an excuse to have a fiesta of some sort, so that is where my love for hosting people and cooking for others started.”
That said, the road to opening Bar Magda was a labour of love, driven by Buenaventura’s determined vision and successful stints at a number of venues around New Zealand. And while the clever operator had initially put nursing in his sights (“I thought I could save some money first then go into hospitality,” he says), it was swapping medical school for a culinary course that set him on the road to restaurant ownership, a path he pursued passionately.
“The small victories… [were] so valuable and important, and really, they made me understand and love the industry even more.”
After moving to New Zealand, Buenaventura worked in the kitchens of Queenstown’s Crowne Plaza, learning European-style fare from the French chefs there, before moving to Wellington and immersing himself in a more seasonally-driven practice at Matterhorn. He then moved to Auckland to take up a formative post at Orphans Kitchen, where owner Tom Hishon was a huge supporter and introduced him to a number of key people in the industry. It was a role that gave Buenaventura the confidence to embark on his own pop-up ventures, before moving into front-of-house and restaurant management at both Culprit at Gemmayze Street, where he honed the crucial operation skills he would eventually need to make Bar Magda the success it is today.
For Buenaventura, this varied experience was crucial. “In this industry, every stage, every role will prepare you for your next step,” he says. “I think success in hospitality comes down to finding what you love, setting goals and doing research.” Buenaventura boasts a uniquely dogged way of working, from his attention to detail to his ever-evolving creativity, everything he does is meticulously planned. Hospitality, he tells me, is about the little things.
“It starts with little things and the small victories, because you’re not going to be able to appreciate the big accomplishments if you can’t be grateful for the everyday wins,” he says. “It took me a while to get there, and for a long time I didn’t feel satisfied unless I was getting closer to owning my restaurant, but actually, all the little things along the way were so valuable and important, and really, they made me understand and love the industry even more.”
Where I started:Waitress at a yacht club (aged 18). Where I am now:General Manager of Soul Bar & Bistro.
It’s the energy of her workplace that gets Liv Carter out of bed in the morning. Well, that and the promise of another day filled with connection — something that the enigmatic General Manager of Soul Bar & Bistro considers fundamental to her success in the hospitality industry. “The feeling that I get when someone walks away from an incredible dining experience is just amazing,” beams Carter. “It’s such a privilege to be a part of so much positivity and joy,” she continues.
Cutting her teeth as a waitress at a friend’s parent’s restaurant, Carter instantly fell for the vibrant and diverse nature of hospo work, and went on to study hospitality and tourism before setting her sights on Europe. It was there, travelling and working in bustling pubs and bistros, that she discovered her passion for hospitality events — drawn to their closed-loop nature and the host of incredible relationships built along the way. And she hasn’t looked back since.
Carter worked a few jobs in Sydney learning the ropes in the events space before moving to New Zealand to ‘settle down’. By happenstance, she wound up securing a role in the office at Soul, and 15 years later, she’s never left. Climbing up the ranks from answering phones and assisting with corporate events to her current position as the company’s GM, Carter is now responsible for not only the events that she is still so passionate about, but the marketing, team management, and everything in between, often travelling abroad to seek fresh inspiration for food, drinks and entertainment — a facet of her job that feels full circle.
“The feeling that I get when someone walks away from an incredible dining experience is just amazing,” It’s such a privilege to be a part of so much positivity and joy.”
And while, when you ask Carter what her dream role is, she says she’s in it, she is far from ready to rest on her laurels. The opposite, in fact “We have nearly 120 employees at Soul, and we’re always looking for ways to innovate. From our cocktails to our wine list to what’s coming out of the kitchen; with our events and marketing and everything in between, we’re always striving to be delivering what you would expect to find overseas in some of the world’s best bars and eateries — and that’s constant,” she tells me. “My role is ever-evolving, and no two days are the same. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
When asked what advice she would offer someone looking to pursue hospitality as a career, Carter laughs, “You can’t be afraid of hard work!” She says. “I do believe that hard work earns you opportunities. If you’re committed, you’ll find doors opening up to you, where a world of opportunity awaits.” As well as that, Carter pins much of her later success on her bosses and colleagues at Soul, and the incredible relationships she’s fostered. “You have to find your people,” she says, “Find your place, and find your people, because when you do and you’re all on the same page, wanting the same things for the business, there’s where real success happens.”
Carter is a shining example of just how far a weekend gig waiting tables can get you with the right amount of ambition, drive, and a solid work ethic. She spends her days in the liveliest of locations, finding purpose in work that offers her so much in return. And as for the future, while there are plans to continue expanding on the events offering at Soul and many other exciting irons in the fire, when it comes to the ‘settling down’ part, we’ll see.
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