Actress Melina Kanakaredes, who plays Detective Stella Bonasera on CSI: NY, wrote the May 13 episode of the CBS police drama. The second-generation Greek American who hails from Ohio shares her travel highlights and tips with USA TODAY.

Q: Where have you been lately that you liked or were surprised by?

A: We went to St. Louis to visit family that had just moved from Los Angeles. The last time I was there I was 10 years old. Of course I remember the St. Louis Arch, but that's about it. I never expected it to be as cosmopolitan as it was. The kids loved the amusement park/playground called The...

Fashion: Melina Kanakaredes
Greek Goddess
OK! Magazine
Interview by Ruth Hilton.
June 12, 2006
Pages 64-69

Melina ditches her CSI:NY detective wear and goes with the fashion flow.

The stern facial expressions and somber pantsuits of her CSI:NY character, Detective Stella Bonasera, couldn’t be more of a contrast to the charismatic and playful personality of actress Melina Kanakaredes.

Going through the designer outfits on the racks at the OK! Shoot like a kid in a candy store (she is crazy for Roberto Cavalli), Melina exudes warmth and satisfaction, which come from having found happiness in her...

"I think you should take the offer Melina. You're a HUGE part in the show. Just renew your contract please?"
"If I'm such a big part of the show then how come you've made me to where I'm just the partner to run into in the hall? I don't do anything anymore! I'm saying lame lines that the audience knows I'm going to say before I do. How am I such a HUGE part Pam?"
Pam Veasey was speechless. She wanted to deny every word that came from the womans mouth but couldn't. She now realises her mistake.
"I am so sorry Melina. I didn't mean too. I-"
"Woman leave me my pride." And she walked away. Melina...