Fans of Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk know that the show’s former design guru is a master at getting a lot done in a limited amount of time. These days, the busy entrepreneur and author is using that same drive both to build his own design and lifestyle brand and to soak up every last drop of sun and fun possible as he explores his home base in Southern California.
The East Coast transplant likes to pack his days with all the Golden State has to offer, whether that means setting off on a hike with his dog right outside his Los Angeles neighborhood, seeking out SoCal’s top-notch Vietnamese restaurants with his husband Dewey, or playing pickleball in the Palm Springs area. He recently shared some of his favorite places to relax, dine, and shop.
Where do you live? I live in the Lake Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Why there? This neighborhood is a quiet and secluded spot tucked up in the hills with views and it feels like a getaway from the city while still being 5 minutes to Hollywood. I can walk out my front door and be on a trail just below the Hollywood Sign in seconds, and I have an incredible view of the valley from my backyard.
Who or what is your greatest California love? The weather! The sunshine and temperate climate is what drew me to California in the first place. After living in New York for years, I was officially over winter and I needed to defrost! The weather really spoils you. I love waking up to sunshine most of the year, and now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? Probably that we all work in the entertainment industry. Yes, plenty of people do work in film and television (myself included), but this a huge state with so many different thriving industries.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? I’ve stayed at some amazing hotels in California, but for a splurge, I would book a weekend away at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. It’s a beautiful spot in Santa Ynez surrounded by rolling hills, and the perfect mix of laid-back and luxurious. It also has an incredible restaurant—The Tavern—where I’ve had one of the best meals of my life.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? My husband Dewey and I love to take scenic drives, and it doesn’t get much more scenic than a trip up the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur. My ultimate road trip would be a leisurely drive, stopping in some small towns along the way. First, we would pop into Morro Bay to kayak with the otters, then visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon. We would then stop for dinner at The Restaurant at Ragged Point, which is tucked right along the coast, for a bit of seafood and to catch the sunset. The next day, we would do some hiking at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and then hit Pfeiffer Beach to relax a bit. Then it’s time to check into one of my all-time favorite hotels—the Post Ranch Inn — before a perfect dinner with a view at Nepenthe.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? There is so much amazing food in California that it’s very hard to choose. However, since my husband is Vietnamese, I’m a bit partial to this cuisine, but I will say that I think California has the best food outside of Vietnam. I love My Lai, which has two locations in Los Angeles, for casual bowls, and any of the family-run restaurants in Orange County (especially Brodard Chateau in Garden Grove).
What is your favorite way to play in California? That would have to be the pickleball court at my vacation home in Palm Desert. I got hooked on pickleball this past year—so much so that I decided to put in a court! It’s really fun to invite friends out and play, and it’s also a great amenity to have in a rental property.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I love shopping for vintage furniture and decor, and Palm Springs has some of my absolute favorite stores. I would start bright and early at the Palm Springs Vintage Market, and then make my way to The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five. Gregory Ducharme is one of my favorite sellers there, and has an amazing eye. Then I would hit up Modern Way, At Hōm, and finish things off at Market Market, which is a huge space filled with all sorts of amazing vendors, including my personal favorite, Nok Nok.
Best California song? I really connect with this song “Why I Came To California” by Leon Ware. It’s from the ’80s and has a great jazzy R&B feel. It talks about all the different iconic places in California and why they have such allure and appeal. It reminds me of everything I love about this state—the beaches, the forests, the desert—and always puts a smile on my face as I sing along in the car.
How would your California dream day unfold? I would wake up at home in Los Angeles and go for a morning hike with my dog, Bimini. I would then grab a coffee (large iced!) and head to brunch with all my closest friends at Superba. I love having a sunny meal in their lush and secluded courtyard. Then we would head to Malibu for a perfect beach day and rent an amazing house right on the water. Nothing is better than laying on a lounge chair, feeling the ocean breeze, and listening to the waves. For dinner, we would order takeout from Nobu and just spend the rest of the evening gathered around a firepit sharing a bottle of wine and laughing until we call it a night.
