Host Jane Krakowski, Andrew McCarthy,
and his girlfriend, Dolores Rice.
Photo: Billy Farrell for Patrick McMullan

by Beata Loyfman

Every year the stars come out en fuego to celebrate the Readers' Choice Awards. And this year was no exception. After dolling up in full "party" mode, I parked myself (and my high heels) in front of the red carpet to await the arrivals.

I didn't have to wait long. The lovely Jane Krakowski of the hit 30 Rock was first to stop by and chat. Fresh after playing hostess for the award ceremony, Jane was excited to tell us about her favorite travel moments. She loved her trip to Vienna (where she ate the perfect pretzels), Venice (where she ate the best fish), and St. Petersburg (where she drank a few too many "shodka vots").

Former Brat Packer Andrew McCarthy stopped by next. When on break from playing a difficult billionaire on NBC's Lipstick Jungle, Andrew travels as much as possible, especially to Ireland, one of his favorite places. Check out his piece on Dublin in National Geographic Traveler and his tales of Hollywood ups and downs in Slate.

Mario Cantone of Sex and the City stopped by next to give us an update on his travels. As we learned from previous red carpet interviews, Mario is a rabid traveler, rattling off hotels with the ease and frequency of a pro. But because the dollar hasn't been very kind to European travelers lately, Mario has been checking into American lodgings much more. His recent favorite is the Castle Hill Inn & Resort in Newport, Rhode Island. Turns out the celebs are just as funds-conscious as the rest of us.

Mario then had some choice words for the Vice Presidential nominee from Alaska. But we'll save those for another time.

Further reading:
* Our award winners' dream trips
* The complete list of this year's winners
* Boldface