Ben Shewry facts for kids
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Chefs Andrew McConnell (left) and Ben Shewry (right) at Australia's Top Restaurants Awards
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| Born | 1977 Waitara, New Zealand |
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| Cooking style | Australian, Contemporary |
| Spouse | Kylie Shewry |
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Ben Shewry, born in 1977, is a famous chef from New Zealand. He owns and runs a well-known restaurant called Attica in Melbourne, Australia. Attica is special because it's a certified B Corporation, meaning it meets high standards for being good for people and the planet. Ben Shewry has also written two books about his cooking and ideas, including Uses for Obsession, which was released in 2024.
Contents
Growing Up and Early Cooking Experiences
Ben Shewry grew up on a farm in the North Island of New Zealand. He lived in small towns called Awakino and Whareorino in North Taranaki. The beautiful nature and coastline around him greatly influenced his cooking style later in life.
Ben started working in restaurants at a very young age. He had his first job in a local restaurant when he was just 10 years old. By the time he was 13, he was working in a bakery. He got his first job in a kitchen when he was 14, learning the ropes of professional cooking early on.
Ben Shewry's Culinary Journey
Ben Shewry became widely known after being featured in the first season of the Netflix documentary series, Chef's Table. This show explored his life, the challenges he faced, and what inspires him to cook. He also appeared in the Netflix series Restaurant Australia.
Cooking with Native Ingredients
Ben's cooking ideas are deeply connected to using ingredients native to Australia and New Zealand. He is very inspired by the traditional Maori hangi, which is a special earth oven feast ceremony. He also loves using native ingredients like kūmara (sweet potato) and native mutton bird in his dishes.
When Ben first started using these unique Australian ingredients in a fancy restaurant, it wasn't a popular idea. It was hard for his restaurant, Attica, to get many customers at first. However, over time, people in Melbourne and food critics began to appreciate his unusual and creative cooking style.
Attica's Success and Awards
Today, Attica has won many important awards. It has been listed among the World's 50 Best Restaurants for a decade, attracting top chefs from all over the globe. Ben Shewry became the Head Chef of Attica in 2005. He later bought the restaurant from his employer in 2015.
In 2019, Attica was named Australia's best restaurant at the Gourmet Traveller food awards. These awards show how much his unique approach to food has been recognized and celebrated.
Ben Shewry's Books and Beliefs
Ben Shewry's most recent book is called Uses for Obsession, A Chef's Memoir. This book shares his thoughts on creativity in the kitchen, food journalism, and important topics like sexism in the restaurant world. He also talks about the idea of "farm-to-table" food and the fame of chefs.
In his book, Ben explains how growing up close to nature and respecting Indigenous cultures has shaped his work. He shares the values he lives by and how they influence the detailed and inventive tasting menus at Attica. The book was released in October 2024.
Commitment to Sustainability
Ben Shewry strongly believes in sustainability, which means using resources in a way that protects them for the future. Since December 2018, he has been an Ambassador for the Good Fish Project. This project encourages people to choose seafood that is caught or farmed responsibly.
Ben believes that as a chef, he has a big impact on what people eat. He wants to make sure his restaurant's menu is as sustainable as possible, especially when it comes to seafood. He feels that if he doesn't use the best practices for sustainable seafood, he would be adding to environmental problems.
Attica Restaurant also became a certified B Corporation (certification) in February 2024. This certification shows that Attica meets high standards for being environmentally friendly and socially responsible. This further proves Ben Shewry's dedication to running his business in the best way possible.
