In a content-driven world where attention spans are fleeting, a fresh face in the realm of home-cooked meals emerges, capturing the hearts of viewers and urging them to pause their scrolling. With a warm and inviting ‘Hi friends!’ and totally relatable goofs, XiXi Yang emerges as a vibrant personality who effortlessly removes the intimidating aura surrounding cooking.
As a media entrepreneur and lifestyle creator, XiXi has embarked on an exciting culinary adventure with her show, ‘Yummmier.’ This delightful series is a celebration of the rich heritage behind beloved comfort foods, those cherished recipes that are often kept within families and passed down through generations. They’re the kind of dishes you won’t find at restaurants, but rather, in the warm kitchens of homes where memories are made.
However, XiXi wasn’t always this good at making food. “7 years ago, I would literally burn rice without a rice cooker. I always had a passion for food, and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started learning how to make some of my family’s most treasured recipes passed down through generations.” XiXi Yang’s culinary passion has deep roots, stretching back to her childhood in Asia. The vivid memories of riding on her grandfather’s bicycle, enveloped in the rich aroma of bubbling cauldrons of noodle soup and sesame-toasted buns, laid the foundation for her lifelong love affair with comfort food.
Having grown up in China and Japan before immigrating to America, XiXi recognizes the power of comfort food as a love letter to one’s heritage and culture. “Being the first Asian American host to anchor ‘Live from the Red Carpet for the Oscars,’ I’ve always strived to celebrate diversity through storytelling. In addition to conversations on-air and online, the most important conversations happen at home, around the table. And much of it starts with our kitchen.” With these powerful words, XiXi encapsulates her vision of using food as a vehicle for cultural connection and self-exploration. Through her show ‘Yummmier’, she invites us to embrace our kitchens as spaces for dialogue, understanding, and appreciation of diverse culinary traditions.
The kitchen becomes a place where stories are shared, flavors are savored, and a sense of belonging is nurtured. Within the heart of XiXi’s California dream kitchen lies a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. The open layout, adorned with floor-to-ceiling stacking doors, offers panoramic views of the picturesque Los Angeles hills, infusing the space with a serene ambiance. “When my husband and I built this house, we envisioned an open casual dining area that flows directly outdoor, where we can dine while watching the most gorgeous sunsets.” Encouraging vibrant conversations and lasting connections, XiXi opted for a round dining table—a symbol of powerful conversations and shared experiences.
To illuminate this inviting space, XiXi selected the Ellison Chandelier in Aged Brass from Rejuvenation, an exquisite fusion of timeless elegance and contemporary charm. Its gentle glow sets the perfect stage for the delightful stories shared around the table. “I’m a big believer that the outside should flow seamlessly indoors, creating the perfect flow of energy, balance, and harmony for the space. This is why I fell in love with the Dekum pendants from Rejuvenation, which are adorned with alabaster stones crafted by skilled artisans in Italy.”
XiXi’s commitment to sustainability resonates throughout her California dream kitchen. Each piece has been thoughtfully sourced, ensuring both style and environmental consciousness. The inclusion of aged brass fixtures adds warmth and character to the space, creating a lived-in feel that invites both comfort and inspiration. “We went with the Blair collection from Rejuvenation in aged brass for all the hardware and lighting in the kitchen to give our space more of a ‘lived-in’ feeling. We also did built-in panels for the fridge to achieve a more seamless, minimalist appeal.”
In her pursuit of a home that balances aesthetics and practicality, across from the kitchen, XiXi selected two pure white couches with water-repellent, stain-resistant, and washable performance cloth from 7th Avenue—a brand that has gained popularity as an internet favorite. “My husband was hesitant about having pure white couches in such a high-traffic area, but I was able to show him through many spill tests that the fabric is water-repellent, stain-resistant, and truly perfect for our worry-free lifestyle. I wanted a space that was not only aesthetically beautiful but also allows us to live and entertain. My guests love sitting, eating, and drinking on them.”
Through ‘Yummmier,’ XiXi Yang’s contagious passion for comfort food, cultural appreciation, and immersive storytelling comes alive. Her California dream kitchen serves as the vibrant stage where flavors harmonize, cultures connect, and hearts are nourished. Follow @xixiyang and @yummmier on this self-exploration journey as she guides us through cozy conversations and mouth-watering recipes, forging connections between our past and present.