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 restaurant Attica into the league of the most innovative, acclaimed dining experiences in the world, and arguably 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 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 his Melbourne restaurant 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 give up. “Powerful, vulnerable, intense, full of love and some darkness too.” ― Matty Matheson, chef, author, producer and actor “Ben understands the parallels of cooking and skateboarding in a way that is importantly unique; each requires constant practice, commitment, creativity, perseverance, and embracing failure as a lesson instead of a setback. It is obvious to those of us who have experienced the ingenuity of Attica, and it will be obvious to anyone that reads UFO. These stories resonate beyond cooking; they can be life lessons for anyone following their passion.” ― Tony Hawk, professional skateboarder and entrepreneur “Proof that you can throw away the rule book and live a life with a big heart, endless creativity, a mountain of integrity and, of course, lasagna. In doing just that, Ben has not only offered a blueprint for living, he’s reimagined a new, better future for restaurants. Brilliant!” ― Myf Warhurst, broadcaster, journalist and author “This is not just about running one of the best restaurants in the world. Uses for Obsession could easily be a new handbook in life lessons. It’s bold and authentic, enlightening and inspiring.” ― Jane Kennedy, actress, producer and author “Ben Shewry writes the way he cooks: with a voice that is disarming, inventive and entirely his own.” ― Erik Jensen, writer and editor “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 “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 “Deeply thoughtful, unflinchingly honest and heartwarmingly original. Ben's unique creativity is clearly not limited to Attica.” ― Hamish Blake, comedian, TV and radio presenter, and author “A gutsy, passion-filled, at times hilarious insight into the mind of one of the most creative and influential chefs of our time. It's brave to speak your mind. This book will bring about conversation, new ideas, question habits and points of view that will keep us evolving as an industry.” ― Jo Barrett, chef and author “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 “I fucking loved this book and I can't even poach an egg.” ― Hugh van Cuylenburg, The Resilience Project “ Uses for Obsession is an essential piece of literature. Right next to RZA's Wu-Tang Manual.” ― Adam Briggs, musician and writer “Like all things Shewry, this book is so sharp and timely, so full of purpose, yet somehow leaves you with a warm glow of nostalgia after every chapter. He's yet again perfected the art of perfecting something, and it's frankly infuriating.” ― Rhys Nicholson, comedian and actor