Comic Margaret Cho, fresh off the release of her CD of comedy songs, "Cho Dependent," headlines the Uptown Theatre in Napa on Sept. 26.

Times-Herald -- What do you miss most about the Bay Area since you left San Francisco for Southern California in 1991?

Cho -- I miss my friends, the tattooers and the painters.

T-H -- Of all the awards you've received, which one are you most proud of?

Cho -- The ACLU gave me an award once and it meant a lot. Also, GLAAD. That was really great.

T-H -- The most ridiculous thing ever written about you?

Cho -- That I'm a vegan raw foodist.

T-H -- How do you handle people who once wouldn't give you the time of day who now pretend they're your best friend?

Cho -- They never get backstage.

T-H -- What keeps you up at night?

Cho -- Swollen feet and restless leg syndrome.

T-H -- What can you get away with now that you couldn't 10 years ago?

Cho -- I'm not sure. I am ageless so I get away with the same stuff, I think.

T-H -- Your mother's reaction to your first tattoo?

Cho -- It was huge stomach and back piece -- two snakes and big flowers. My mother did not like it. She couldn't even talk about it.

T-H -- Early on, what cost you more gigs -- being a woman or being Asian?

Cho -- I don't know because I never tried to make it as a white male comic, so I'm not sure of the difference. Comedy is a difficult career no matter who you are, but when there's no one else like you out here, I don't know if it's easier to get noticed or harder.

T-H : When did you know you "made it" in stand-up?

Cho -- I think I'm still wondering.

T-H -- What's the worst thing a heckler can yell at you?

Cho -- Something unintelligible which is what happens usually.

T-H -- How often do people think you're related to comic Henry Cho?

Cho -- Many, many, many times.

T-H -- You're on "Dancing with the Stars." Your competition includes Bristol Palin. With negative opinion you have of her mother, how do you keep from tripping Bristol?

Cho -- She has been really nice so far. I don't have any problems with her. I just don't agree with her mother's politics. But that has nothing to do with dance.