Griffin Wilson, aka @cabincorn, was rolling out pasta dough and stuffing his own sausages before he was legally allowed to drive. He’s cooked in commercial kitchens around the world, including Italy, Central America, Hawaii, and a macrobiotic farm-to-table restaurant in Belgium. Now, he mostly cooks in the quiet comfort of his own kitchen, in a Sonoma County cabin in Northern California.
I first ate Griffin’s food at a wedding and from there we struck up a friendship. He has one of the most beautiful culinary accounts on Instagram, and after interviewing him, I understand the source of his drive to make food that not only tastes incredible but looks amazing, too.
You can find our Q+A below.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My friends, my family, and the natural world. I stray away from things that are cheap and quick thrills. I might find inspiration in the way that a bug moves, or it could be drawing on something I tasted while growing up or traveling. Food memories sit in a particular area of my subconscious that gets triggered at strange times in random places.
Who would you most like to share a meal with (dead or alive)?
I've always dreamt of having a meal with some of the people who came before me on my family tree.
What is the sexiest food?
Anything that reminds me of the importance of romance. Romance is something we forget about all the time. We miss it in everyday life. We've squeezed it out of existence to make way for things like money and the competitive side of the world. My only suggestion in life is to let a little romance inand use it in a way to reconnect with yourself. Stop for a second and ask yourself how you can do things with a little more attention to the sweetness and softness in life. By doing so, we can attract the side of the world that is filled with beauty and romance.
4. How do you best cook a fish on the beach?
Speaking of romance, cooking a fish on the beach is an incredibly romantic gesture. You’re surrounded by the ocean, where the fish was likely caught. This connection with the food is profound. It’s about being fully immersed in the environment of your meal, communing with nature and letting all distractions fade away. Technically, there are no hard-and-fast rules for cooking a fish on the beach. You can steam it in a pot or wrap it in leaves and place it directly on the coals. The method doesn’t matter. Even if the fish doesn’t turn out perfectly or if your technique fails, it doesn’t matter. Take a moment to appreciate the act of cooking and think about how connected you are to the world around you. You’re essentially becoming an animal again.
5. How many knives and what types do you consider essential? Also, do you recommend buying expensive knives and sharpening them, or cheap knives and replacing them from time to time?
I think there is a romantic association I have with tools used in crafting something. I feel like the care that you have for your instruments, often turns out being a very big part of the final product. I always believe in spending money on things that bring you joy, but also things that are made with that same care and attention you put into your work. So, yes, buy a nice knife or two and take care of them. There is a world of resource surrounding the purchasing of knives, and maybe a bit too much to put into a small paragraph. Buy a big knife, buy a little knife, all that matters is that it works for you, and is nice and sharp.
How long does it actually take to caramelize onions?
Forever in kitchen minutes.
What has food taught you about love?
That it’s my way of expressing love. I might not always know how to tell someone I love them, or for that matter, feel the urge to do so, but I can always show them through something so naturally instinctual to me. By preparing food for people, I convey my love to them. I infuse the food I make with my affection. So, I suppose it hasn’t taught me about love; it’staught me about the love I have to offer. It’s shown me that I’m a simple creature who loves, and the way I express it is with care, attention, and tenderness towards the ingredients.
Describe your dream dinner party?
Just being at home with my friends and family where everyone is tuned in to the joy of having a meal that was cooked by someone who loves them.
How does eating alone make you feel?
What a challenging question! When I’m grieving, it can be the most lonely experience, yet also a fortifying one. Conversely, when I’m in a good place, it can be a joyous occasion. The key is to fully immerse yourself in the feeling and acknowledge where you are in that regard. At its core, I view it as a meditative practice. Turn off your phone or put it in your pocket. Embrace the solitude and reconnect with the part of yourself that may be uncomfortable. Remind yourself that you are your own best friend and sharing a meal with them can be one of the most special moments.
Any food questions that your followers frequently ask you?
I suppose it's not so much a question, but a statement that I get a lot. It's this idea that my life is filled with overwhelming non-stop beauty. And with that, I would like to clarify that while, yes, I live somewhere that beauty is readily available, that I am often tuned into it, but in so many ways, it is still balanced by everything that plagues the human heart.
Find more of Griffin and his gorgeous food and recipes on his Instagram, or book your own private party or wedding on his website. He has openings for parties all summer long, and availability for weddings next spring, summer, and fall.
Who should I interview next? Send me an email at ginarae@substack.com
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