Matt's Shrimp Concoction is a sub with sauteed shrimp, red onions, mushrooms and peppers topped with melted American cheese, coleslaw and creole mayonnaise. Photo: Renee Brock / Special

YOUR PICKS (locally based)

1) New Yorker Deli

You say, “The best choice of quality sandwiches in town. Portion and quality are outstanding along with a number or delicious sides.”

2) Alon’s Bakery & Market

3) Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli

4)  Star Provisions

5) Muss & Turner’s

YOUR PICKS (chains)

1) Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs

You say, “Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs. Nowhere else is even close and the line out the door at lunch every day proves it.”

2) Publix

3)  Jason’s Deli

4) Firehouse Subs

5) Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches

A selection of treats from Star Provisions: hot pastrami on onion rye, smoked salmon with cucumber on toasted walnut chive, beet salad, lentils, green beans and a cola.

OUR PICKS

1)   Star Provisions

Dining critic Meridith Ford Goldman says, “Take me …

Continue reading Best sandwich »

This was a showdown between the top two artists, who both had some motivated fans. Unhindered and Rhonda Thomas accounted for more than 76 percent of the votes cast, but in the end, Christian rockers Unhindered emerged with a few hundred more votes than soul-jazz vocalist Thomas.

And since we had six picks from readers — due to a tie during the nomination process — we thought it was only fair to have six staff picks.

YOUR PICKS

Unhindered. Photo: David Molnar Photography (DavidMolnar.com)

1) Unhindered

You say, “The next Third Day.”

2) Rhonda Thomas

3) Wayde Powell

4)  Anthony David

5) (tie) Jaspects

5) (tie) Tealights

OUR PICKS

The Constellations. Photo: Bradley Occhipinti

1)      The Constellations

We say, “This is what Atlanta sounds like, if you put all of our city’s musical ingredients into a big funky blender. It’s soulful, psychedelic, hook-filled and, as the band’s debut album puts it, “Southern Gothic.” You’ll be hearing more from this Atlanta …

Continue reading Best up-and-coming local band or musician »

YOUR PICKS

The cast of "House of Payne." Photo: George Lange / TBS

1) “House of Payne”

You said, “Anything by Tyler Perry. He’s really putting ATL on the map.”

2) “Good Eats” 

3) “Drop Dead Diva” 

4) “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” 

5) “The Vampire Diaries”

OUR PICKS

Brooke Elliott (left) and Margaret Cho of "Drop Dead Diva." Photo: Guy D' Alema / Lifetime Television

1) “Drop Dead Diva”

We say, “A surprise hit for the Lifetime Network, this little comedy/drama has a big heart, smart writing and a breakout star in the irresistible Bro0ke Elliot, who is marvelous as the petite blond trapped in the body of a pleasantly plump lawyer.”

2) “I’ll Fly Away”

3) “Good Eats”

4) “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”

5) “In the Heat of the Night”

Continue reading Favorite Atlanta-produced TV show »

YOUR PICKS

1) Piece of Cake

You say, “A Piece of Cake … Coconut, Carrot Cake, Orange, or any of the delicious monthly flavors. Always moist, delicious & yummy!”

2) Atlanta Cupcake Factory

3) CamiCakes

4) Holly’s Cupcake Shop

5) Sweet Pockets

OUR PICKS

1) CamiCakes Cupcakes

Dining critic Meridith Ford Goldman says, “Baker Andra Hall named her bakery — which started in Jacksonville and now has three locations, including Atlanta — after her adorable daughter Camille. Hers are certainly the prettiest of any in Atlanta, made with butter, sugar, spice and all things nice.”

2) Buttersweet Bakery

3) Little Cake Bakery

4) Button Cakes Bakery

5) Atlanta Cupcake Factory

Continue reading Best cupcakes »