Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Jai Rodriguez
Jai Rodriguez became a household name as the culture vulture on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." The 33-year-old entertainer, however, has gone back to his acting roots and is co-starring in the ABC sitcom "Malibu Country," starring Reba McEntire. In the series, Rodriguez plays a record label employee who befriends McEntire's character. Rodriguez is also the co-creator and co-executive producer of Logo's reality series "Bad Sex," which is currently in production for its second season.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Cabo San Lucas, for someplace tropical. I've had a lot of fun there. And there's the bonus of it being so close to Los Angeles, where I live, so it's a really quick trip. I love everything about it -- the location, the food, the people. ... In the United States, I pick Miami for fun, fun, fun! I've had the privilege of working there several times and had such a great time each time.
Q. Where do you get recognized the most?
A. In the Spanish-speaking areas. Sometimes it can get a little crazy, but the fans are just amazing to me. When someone does like my work, it's always flattering. Sometimes at hotels, they'll leave an extra treat or a note for me because they recognized me, or the bar might take care of my drinks. When I was on "Queer Eye," fans were a little more hands on, because it was reality TV and I think they felt like they knew me. When I went to Manila for "Queer Eye," it was crazy because there were all these fans pulling and screaming. I never expected that. They were so excited.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. Spokane, Wash. It wasn't a place that I felt I had to go to, but I had a great time there. I shot a movie with Lainie Kazan there and we all had so much fun.
Q. Where would you travel to for a really good meal?
A. I'm going with Miami on this one. I'm not Cuban, but I live for Cuban food. It's not always the healthiest cuisine, but it's so savory and delicious and close to my Puerto Rican heritage. I tend to favor Latin food. Oh, my Aunt Bunny makes the most amazing Italian food. So I'd head to her house!
Q. How lax are you about watching what you eat when you're on the road?
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