Q&A by Anthony Rotunno and Dana Mathews

To get away from it all, I go to … Pittsburgh, a.k.a., home.

My favorite place to stay is … The Renaissance Hotel. The three-story vaulted lobby used to be a club called Heaven, which was and still is the most impressively beautiful club I’ve ever seen. I was a bouncer there during summers while in college. Staying at the Renaissance is a fantastic reminder of how far I’ve come.

My ideal travel companions are … I usually go by myself, but it’s so much fun to play tour guide for someone who hasn’t been there before.

My favorite travel pastime is … Angry Birds.

When I’m in the mood for room service, my favorite order is … The Renaissance once made me a special tray of chocolate-covered strawberries that I’ve been thinking about ever since.

Upon arrival, I most look forward to … Listening to whatever new playlist I’ve come up with. I love music.

My favorite places to indulge in a delicious local meal are … I go straight from the airport to Primanti Bros. Restaurant in the Strip district. They recently painted my caricature on their Pittsburgh wall of fame, and I can’t wait to see it! I also hit Mike & Tony’s Gyros on the South Side, Mineo’s Pizza House in Mount Lebanon, 720 Café for Sunday brunch, Pamela’s Diner for breakfast, Fiori’s Pizzeria for pizza with cold cheese on top, Samurai on Greentree Road, and Savoy—former Steeler Chuck Sanders’s place in the Strip. Both of my parents are also phenomenal cooks.

Read more about Joe’s hometown and favorite city at Vanity Fair