The Netflix stand-up sensation and author of Dear Girls shares her California hot spots
Where do you live?
Los Angeles. I went to UCLA and am very lucky all of my girlfriends from college live here as well.
What makes it special?
The beach. The Chinese food in the San Gabriel Valley, the Vietnamese food in Orange County, the Korean food in Koreatown.
Where did you grow up?
In San Francisco’s Richmond District and Pacific Heights. I spent a lot of my summers in Chinatown and in Golden Gate Park. My family is still there.
Favorite hike?
Purisima [Creek Redwoods] in Half Moon Bay. It’s shaded, and we love eating afterwards at Cooking Papa.
Favorite restaurant?
Bestia is our go-to spot when my husband and I are overdue for a date night. We get the pate, crab pasta, lamb neck and more.
Favorite hotel?
Nobu Ryokan in Malibu. The architecture is serene but stunning.
Favorite drink?
Don Julio 1942 with a huge cube of ice.
Favorite market?
99 Ranch! My heart beats fast whenever I see one, and I could spend hours in their produce section.
Favorite museum?
The de Young Museum. They always have great exhibits, and then I love walking with my kids to the arboretum.
Favorite show venue?
The Punch Line San Francisco comedy club was like graduate school for stand-up.
Last show you saw that impressed you?
Janet Jackson in Las Vegas. She’s 53 and tours with a toddler and performs all the hits, and it’s all very impressive.
Where do you take visiting friends?
The Huntington [Botanical] Gardens near Pasadena, and then to Dai Ho afterward for incredible Taiwanese food.
What do you wear by day?
My Sandy Liang fleece; an Opening Ceremony varsity jacket; 7115 by Szeki dresses and jumpsuits.
What do you wear by night?
I love Kaarem. Their clothes are so comfortable and easy to wear. When I want to be a little more tough I’ll wear my Alexander Wang dress and booties.
Favorite boutique?
Bird Brooklyn at Platform LA in Culver City. I call it a black hole because once I go in, I don’t really come out.
Favorite sunglasses?
Dita Narcissus or Barton Perreira Mystere.
Favorite drive?
Cruising around Venice during sunset, listening to KDay.
Feature image: ALI WONG. Photo by Stephanie Gonot.
This story originally appeared in the October 2019 issue of C Magazine.
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