Ricardo Flores and his Fearless Flores Thrill Show returns for the entire run of the Gwinnett County Fair. Photo: Jason Getz / jgetz@ajc.com

FRIDAY

Fair: Livestock competitions, clowns, death-defying stunts, beauty pageants, free concerts and lots of rides are all part of the fun at the Gwinnett County Fair. Through Sept. 26 at the Gwinnett Country Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville.

Music: The soft, soothing sound of smooth jazz will fill the air at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mableton when the 2010 Atlanta Smooth Music Festival takes the stage Sept. 17-18.

Music, stage: From “The Ed Sullivan Show” to “Abbey Road,” follow the Fab Four’s progression in the live musical homage “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles.” 8 p.m. Sept. 17; 2 and 8 p.m. Sept. 18; 1:30 and 7 p.m.  Sept. 19 at the Fox Theatre in Midtown.

Kids: “Sesame Street” has been making kids learn and love it for many years and it’s even better when the kids get to see it on stage with “Sesame Street Live: …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Sept. 17-19 »

A beloved Atlanta classic, the Varsity's onion rings were the runway favorite for best onion rings in and around Atlanta.

YOUR PICKS (Chain)

1. The Varsity

You say, “I’m desperately craving those greasy, delicately seasoned Southern works of art” and “My folks used to take me and my two sisters to the Varsity every Sunday night. We’d order from the car and when the food came we’d splay out our meal on the area above the back seats and chow down on those gree-zee ‘rangs’. Best ever, anywhere! It’s not just the taste; it’s the tradition and the memories that make them so delish.”

2. Ted’s Montana Grill

3. Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q

4. Sonic

5. Zesto

Onion rings accompany the Southern Burger at Flip Burger Boutique. Photo: Becky Stein / Special

YOUR PICKS (non-chain)

1. Flip Burger Boutique

You say, “Flip, vodka-battered onion rings (especially if it has the smoked mayo)” and “Flip has the best onion rings in ATL!”

2. George’s Bar & …

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George C. Scott (left) and Karl Malden star in the 1970 classic film "Patton," which screens Saturday at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. Photo: 20th Century Fox

FRIDAY

Festival: Yellow Daisy Festival offers a weekend of family fun at Stone Mountain highlighted by live music and work from more than 400 artists. Through Sept. 12. The event is free, but vehicle entry to the park is $10; $35 for an annual permit.

Music festival: Experience two days of great bluegrass at Raccoon Creek Bluegrass Festival, a twice-a-year event at Raccoon Creek Music Park near Dallas in Paulding County. Sept. 10-11. $12 Friday; $15 Saturday; $25 both days.

Circus: The circus is back in town as the “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus present “Illuscination.” Sept. 10-12 at Gwinnett Arena in Duluth.

Music: The gentle country balladry of John Michael Montgomery will fill the air at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mableton beginning at 8 p.m. Sept. 10

Music: This pairing of …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Sept. 10-12 »

A crispy, crunchy chicken leg from the Colonnade.

YOUR PICKS

Local
1. The Colonnade

You say, “The Colonnade by far. Not only is it not greasy, it’s crunchy and the meat is moist, not to mention the fact that the pieces look like they came from turkeys, not chickens. No way to eat an order by yourself unless you haven’t eaten for a week, but man, great leftovers.”

2. South City Kitchen
3. Watershed
4. Busy Bee Café
5. Greenwood’s on Green Street
6. Buckner’s

Chain
1. Folks

You say, “Folks Southern Kitchen gets my vote. Their fried chicken always tastes fresh with just the right amount of breading & seasoning.”

2. Popeyes
3. Publix
4. KFC
5. Church’s
6. Golden Corral

The fried chicken at Busy Bee, with sides of collard greens and fried okra. Photo: Becky Stein / Special

OUR PICKS

1. Busy Bee Cafe
Food and beverage writer Bob Townsend says, “Open since 1947, Busy Bee Cafe in southwest Atlanta is a soul food institution, with good reason. The wonderful fried chicken …

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