Here at ThisNext, we appreciate a little ambition, whether it be the pursuit of the perfect meal or plans somewhat more grand. So Garrett at Vanilla Garlic is our kinda guy. We got up close and personal with Garrett, who had a few things to say about premium pans, world domination and keeping it shibby.

When you’re not systematically consuming all that the Sacramento/Davis area dining scene has to offer, what do you do?
I forgot that I do other things, hmm… Well, if I’m not at work toiling away or at home spoiling the cats Cid and Mace, I’m probably cooking, swimming, reading a new book, researching the next place to dine with my partner Rob, or trying to figure out a way to take over a small South American country.

Vanilla and garlic are not two flavors that leap to mind as a great pairing. What is the significance of your blog’s name?
Well, basically I have to keep a variety of both ingredients on hand or I’ll shrivel up and die, much like Madonna with attention. They’re two such diametric flavors, yet so integral in cooking, I can’t imagine living without them. That, and it sounded damn catchy. Plus I have a recipe or two where they work together perfectly!

Where are you right now?
At home, melding with the television with the eat beast (Mace) smothering my lap. In life, about where I expect to be, but looking to mix things up a bit before it gets too tepid and static. Got to keep it shibby, ya know? In my cooking, gearing up to make some chipotle chocolate cookies.

What is this “shibby” you speak of?
Ah, I predicted this would be your next question. “Shibby” means cool or awesome, or can be used as a term of consent or approval. Way back when in high school my friends and I over time adopted it from a web-comic called “Boy Meets Boy” and we’ve been using it ever since. Apparently the other food bloggers I heart are using it too. It’s one step in the whole South America plan.

What’s the shibbiest thing you’ve seen on ThisNext?
Ooh, the Le Creuset set! Great for cooking and/or fighting crime. I want one in key lime green, which is what my kitchen seems to have adopted as its primary color. Spooky, no?

How can ThisNext make the world a shibbier place?
I totally dig the idea of being able to make reccomendations for others and rate them. I always research public opinion on products before I go to purchase. Plus, I can easily compose wish lists. *cough cough hint hint*

Congratulations on your recent two-year anniversary. Did you get each other anything special?
No, but we went to Mason’s in Sacramento and had what was probably one of the best meals of our lives. I got to try foie gras for the first time, and I am addicted to the stuff now. Plus the duck with plum-port reduction was totally orgasmic.

What’s for dinner?
Blue Cheese Burgers with roasted scallions. Stir-fry veggies. Key lime cookies and grilled stone fruit. Cramming in a few last grills before summer ends and I bust out the crock pot.