By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
May 26, 2009
The story goes that actress and comedienne Judy Gold began her stand-up career on a dare. She was a student at Rutgers University, 6-foot-3 and funny. It seemed like a no brainer.
More than two decades later, the 46-year-old entertainer is still going strong with her brand of sardonic, witty humor. An Emmy-winning writer and producer on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” Gold can next be seen in the “Stand-Up 360” comedy showcase, which is being released theatrically this summer across the country.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
St. John would be the best vacation I ever had (no kids!). We stayed in a house at the top of the mountain with an infinity pool. We went snorkeling and the water at the beach was amazing. I went on a few hikes and we made lots of dinners at home. The best part was there was no CrackBerry service. Oh, and I love Napa. Riding bikes to the wineries and then falling off my bike on the way back to the B&B.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
Provincetown, Mass. I have a house there, so sometimes it’s not a vacation. Pretty much any beach in the summer and anywhere with a fireplace in the winter.
Q. What are your favorite hotels and restaurants?
Provincetown, Mass. Just kidding. Wow. I love the Lenox Hotel (www.lenoxhotel.com) in Boston, the Valley Ho (www.hotelvalleyho.com) in Scottsdale, Ariz., and the Ritz Carlton (www.ritzcarlton.com) in San Francisco. Actually, pretty much any Ritz Carlton. I like B&B’s with fireplaces in the bedroom. I just went to one for my birthday called Juniper Hill (www.atjuniperhill.com) in Finger Lakes, N.Y., and it was awesome. The owner made the most amazing breakfast and the place was out of this world. Also, we stayed in 1801 First in Napa, Calif. We had a tub in the middle of the room. It was awesome. Restaurants, there are so many! Gennaro’s this great Italian restaurant across the street from my apartment. (What more can I ask for?) In New York, I also like Delizia (www.delizia-ny.com) — it’s a pizza place in front and a restaurant in back. Cozy and very Italian. And Joe Allen’s has amazing meatloaf. B&G Oysters (www.bandgoysters.com) in Boston has the best oysters and lobster roll (don’t tell my rabbi). The Mews Restaurant & Cafe (www.mews.com) in Provincetown has amazing food and a martini menu to die for.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
My bite plate, my antidepressants, sunscreen, corkscrew, Bose noise-reducing headphones, iPod and speakers.
Q. What is your worst vacation memory?
Being in the car with my family for hours and hours driving to our destination. We had an AM radio in the car and each other — torture!
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
Weather.com.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
Israel and Italy.
Q. How do you try to fit in when you’re a tourist?
I never try to fit in.
Q. Have you ever been guilty of being an “ugly American”?
What American hasn’t?
© 2009 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
