Emmy-winning TV host, chef, and restaurateur Guy Fieri’s appreciation for the Golden State runs as deep as his roots do in Northern California. Building on his younger days in Humboldt County, where he sold pretzels with his dad, Fieri was crowned the Next Food Network Star in 2006. That honor led to a string of his own hit shows, such as Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Guy’s Big Bite, Guy’s Grocery Games, and many more, as well as cameos in films like 80 for Brady and Happy Gilmore 2.
While the Mayor of Flavortown remains one of the world’s most influential culinary names and faces with restaurants that span the globe, he’s never forgotten the NorCal area that shaped him. “I was raised that you always help your community and you always help people that need help,” he has said. Today, his Guy Fieri Foundation helps fund literacy programs in and around his home in Sonoma County, champions a host of military and veteran causes, and supports first responders through disaster relief all across the state. Here, he dives into the many things that still thrill him about his life in California.
Where do you live? Sonoma County, in the wine country.
Why there? The climate, the people, the beach, the mountains, the food scene…NorCal has it all.
Who or what is your greatest California love? My big red barn, over 100 years old.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That we believe the West Coast is the best coast.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Well, there are definitely some killer wines from Sonoma County that I’ve splurged on…and I’ll do it again!
Time for a road trip—where are you going? A go-to road trip for me and my family is to head up to Ferndale, Humboldt County, where I grew up. I truly believe it’s one of the most idyllic towns in America. Check it out.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? That’s literally impossible. Especially for me! But I think that the farm-to-table movement is a very important concept for folks around the country to pay attention to. From a culinary perspective. As it pertains to health and wellness. In terms of our agriculture system. It’s not just very California, it’s very Northern California.
What is your favorite way to play in California? I love to be up at my ranch, tending to my goats, watching the peacocks, enjoying the sunshine.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? Anywhere there’s a cool antique store…and California has a lot of ’em!
Best California song? The Eagles’ “Hotel California” is a classic that if you really dive into the meaning, is pretty wild. It’s about the wild side, the dark side, fame, fortune, hedonism…rock and roll. I saw the Eagles last year and it was amazing.
How would your California dream day unfold? Get up. Make a coffee. Throw on my rucksack and hike to the top of my property overlooking the vineyards. Chill by the pool with my family and some Santo Tequila. Cook dinner outside with my wife Lori and our sons, Hunter and Ryder.