Fortune Feimster’s hilariously engaging storytelling has won over audiences on the standup comedy circuit and with her hilarious one-two punch of Netflix comedy specials: Sweet & Salty and Good Fortune, both of which earned Critics Choice Award nominations. Her bio bills her as “your funniest cousin,” and her relatable brand of confessional comedy continues to shine through and unite audiences in her latest feel-good special, Crushing It, proving that no matter your background, “common ground is only a joke or two away.”
The North Carolina transplant also serves up some fun opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in his Netflix action-comedy series FUBAR, on which she plays lovable CIA agent Roo Russell. Feimster, who served as a writer-panelist on Chelsea Lately and starred alongside Mindy Kaling on her Mindy Project, also cohosts the popular Handsome podcast alongside her comedy pals Tig Notaro and Mae Martin. When she’s not working or tickling her million-plus social media fans’ funny bones with amusing bits and insights into her life, Feimster loves to explore California with her wife Jax and pup Biggie, soaking up all that the Golden State has to offer.
Where do you live? Los Angeles. I’ve been there for 21 years.
Why there? I moved to L.A. because I got a job opportunity. I was a 22-year-old recent college grad who grew up in a town of 8,000 people so it felt very big and exciting. Essentially, I moved 3,000 miles away from home to run errands for someone. Haha! But I didn’t care. I was just relieved to have a job. There’s no way I could have afforded living here otherwise. And I don’t know if I would have made a move that big without it.
Who or what is your greatest California love? In Los Angeles, one of my great loves is the Greek Theatre. There’s something so magical about seeing a band in this beautiful amphitheater built into the hills. I also love California red wines. My wife and I try to drive up to the Napa and Sonoma Valley area at least once a year. One of our favorite things to do is go wine tasting and their big, bold Cabs are our favorite.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That they’re all surfers who walk around barefoot with curly blonde hair. They are here for sure but it’s not the norm.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? Well, “The Californians” on Saturday Night Live is SO true; not as far as what they look like, but what they’re saying. Everyone here always talks about what freeways they take and how long it takes to get anywhere.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito or The Parker in Palm Springs.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? For the ultimate road trip, I would start south in Palm Springs. Soak up the sun and cocktails at a hotel pool; like at the Parker or L’Horizon for a few days. Grab a cupcake at Over the Rainbow, later eat a fabulous Vietnamese dinner at Rooster and the Pig. I would drive north about 30 minutes and stop into the outlets for some light shopping.
As I keep driving, I’m probably skipping L.A. only because I live there and I’m going straight to Santa Barbara to walk on the beach. Then dinner at the very romantic candlelit restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch. The next morning, drive up the coast to Big Sur. Have lunch at Nepenthe to see the most stunning views of the ocean. Keep driving into Carmel and stop into one of their cute wine-tasting rooms or restaurants. Do a scenic drive through Pebble Beach. Then land in Napa Valley; maybe a hotel stay in Yountville. Get some pastries at Bouchon. And spend the next few days driving all over, stopping into vineyards like Caymus or Component. Have a great meal at Glen Ellen Star or a tasty sandwich at Oakville Grocery. You truly can’t go wrong. California truly is a great state to visit.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? For a casual meal, I highly recommend a breakfast burrito. Cofax in L.A. is awesome. You should have tacos somewhere for sure. There are too many good places to pick. For one of the most highly sought-after, high-end meals, The French Laundry in Napa Valley. As far as food, it’s life changing.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Lounging around on a float in a pool, hiking one of L.A.’s trails, or just a stroll or bike ride on any of the beaches.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I like an outdoor shopping experience. So somewhere like The Grove in L.A. is pretty fun. I especially like their fountain, which is choreographed to music.
Best California song? “Hotel California” by the Eagles. You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. No truer words have been spoken. Except for the people who moved to Austin, Texas, for lower taxes. LOL.
How would your California dream day unfold? Honestly, just waking up to the beautiful sunshine every day is my most favorite thing about where I live. It always puts me in a good mood. I grab coffee with my wife Jax and dog Biggie. We share a breakfast burrito. Go visit some friends later that day—like Oprah. (I don’t actually know Oprah but that would be cool.) Drive home with the sunroof open and the wind in our hair. A little later we go to happy hour; a nice Aperol spritz with a charcuterie board for half-off. Some more friends join us. Afterward, I’d love to say we’d go on a sunset hike but that would be my wife’s perfect day, not mine. Mine would end with more food and some kind of dessert.