Uses for Obsession

A Chef's Memoir

Ben Shewry

$36.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Murdoch Books
01 October 2024

Autobiography: arts & entertainment; Memoirs; Biography - Australian

'Deeply thoughtful, unflinchingly honest and heartwarmingly original. Ben's unique creativity is clearly not limited to Attica.'

Hamish Blake

'Powerful, vulnerable, intense, full of love and some darkness too.'

Matty Matheson, chef, author, producer and actor

Chef and restaurateur Ben Shewry knows obsession well. Whether it's crispy-edged lasagne, saltwater crocodile ribs or the perfect potato, obsession is what motivates him and what makes him tick. It's also what has propelled his Melbourne restaurant Attica into the league of the most innovative, acclaimed dining experiences in the world, and one of the most vital in Australian history.

In this absorbing and wide-ranging memoir meets manifesto, Shewry applies his sometimes searing, sometimes comic eye to creative freedom in the kitchen, food journalism, sexism in hospitality, the fraud of the farm-to-table sustainability ethos, the cult of the chef, cooking as muse and the legendary Family Bolognese.

Raised on a farm in a close-knit rural New Zealand family, he shares how a childhood surrounded by nature and a reverence for First People's cultures has influenced his work, the values he lives by, and the meticulous, inventive multi-course menu that is synonymous with Attica. Uses for Obsession also tells the intimate, desperate story of how Attica survived 262 days with an empty dining room. How, during a time of epic hospitality transformation, it morphed into a takeaway food business, a merch shop and a summer camp. He was told it couldn't be done and that doubt both tortured and drove him.

At its heart, this is a positive story, an antidote to the macho chef culture that thrives on old ideas about leadership and success. Shewry prosecutes the compelling case for a new way forward. A bold blueprint for the restaurant - and workplace - of the future. One built on kindness, community, truth and a commitment to never giving up.

By: Ben Shewry
Imprint: Murdoch Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
ISBN: 9781922616845
ISBN 10: 1922616842
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 01 October 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Ben Shewry is an internationally renowned chef, restaurateur, husband, father, son, brother, friend and creative obsessive. He tries to be direct, honest, respectful, loving, silly, resilient and real. His CV includes owner of Attica in Melbourne's inner suburban Ripponlea (since 2015), writer of two books (Origin in 2012 and Uses for Obsession in 2024), semi-pro playlist builder, amateur filmmaker, part-time photographer and full-time renovator. He also holds the world record for desperate Covid side hustles.

Reviews for Uses for Obsession: A Chef's Memoir

'A story of food and kitchens and passionate hope. No holding back, everything is here including the kitchen sink.' Bruce Pascoe, writer, author Dark Emu 'Ben Shewry writes the way he cooks: with a voice that is disarming, inventive and entirely his own.' Erik Jensen, writer, founding editor, The Saturday Paper 'Ben's writing is brave, extraordinary, authentic, and earthed. It teaches us the importance of honesty, keeping true to oneself, not being afraid of vulnerability and standing up for what you believe is right.' Jane Tewson, CEO and founder of Igniting Change 'A raw, unfiltered journey into the heart of culinary passion; a collection of stories full of Ben's wit and introspection and which explore the profound depths of human creativity and connection.' Lennox Hastie, chef, owner Firedoor