Ben Shewry in conversation with Simon Marnie

ABOUT THE EVENT:

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.

On Wednesday 16th October at the Red Mill Distillery, Balmain, join Ben Shewry in conversation with Simon Marnie.

Copies of Uses for Obsession will be available for purchase at the venue through Roaring Stories, with Shewry signing copies after the discussion.

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ABOUT THE VENUE

We are thrilled to announce a new addition to our lineup of venue partners for author events. Red Mill, located in the heart of White Bay, offers guests an exceptional experience within their distillery.

Red Mill is based in the historic White Bay Steelworks, just across from the inner-west icon, the White Bay Power Station. Red Mill makes small batches of high-quality Rum to age in a special barrel program, blended and bottled in their wonderful, industrial home. Visiting Red Mill is a chance to see the workings of an artisanal distillery, in the historic surrounds of this remarkable building. Refreshments available to purchase include wine, beer and a signature Red Mill cocktail. The venue doesn’t serve food however if you would like to enjoy some dinner before or after the event, we recommend the nearby Welcome Hotel Rozelle (91 Evans St Rozelle) which is a short stroll away. We look forward to welcoming you to this unique venue. Look out for the red door entrance. If it’s a cold evening, we recommend wearing something warm.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Seating is unallocated – another reason to arrive early to secure an optimal spot.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

I am relentless, and while you may think that is a privilege of my position, you are wrong. I have always been this way. Bechamel, Christmas cake, hāngī or some obscure (but important!) random detail, it doesn't matter.

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 Obsessionalso 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.

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ABOUT BEN SHEWRY

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.

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ABOUT THE HOST

Simon was hooked into radio and after months of persistence and refusing to go quietly he won a full time position at Triple J.

Since then, he has also worked in community and commercial broadcasting, both behind the scenes and in front of the microphone, and after eventually leaving the ABC, Simon experimented with other mediums.

He conceived and produced SBS TV's music show, nomad, produced on WOW TV and reported on ABC TV's TVTV.
These roles, along with a stint of home duties, child rearing, chefing and voice work, eventually led Simon back to a career in full-time radio with NightLife on ABC Radio.

Now firmly ensconced in the Weekends show, Simon says he loves this shift, adding, "Sydney weekends are about leisure, relaxing and fun and this city is one of the best in Australia - we cover as many events as possible to show the diversity of cultures, people and regions that make up the Greater Sydney Region."

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Refunds

Please note that tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or postponed due to extenuating circumstances. Refunds are not issued within 48 hours notice of event date. Humanitix fee is nonrefundable.

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This event is presented by Roaring Stories Bookshop Balmain. 

With thanks to our venue partner Red Mill.

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