YOUR PICKS
1. Tex’s Tacos
You say, “Tex’s is the best taco I have had in Atlanta or anywhere for that matter. I have tried every one that they have and they are all great!!!! The line at their truck speaks for itself. Getting hungry just thinking about it. I wonder where they are tomorrow?”

2. Yumbii
3. King of Pops
4. ThePopShop
5. Good Food Truck

Steven Carse, aka the King of Pops, is pictured serving his tasty popsicles at his original location at the intersection of North Avenue and N. Highland Avenue. He's expanded to other locations, too. Photo: Hyosub Shin. hshin@ajc.com

OUR PICKS
1. King of Pops
The AJC dining team’s Popular Eats specialist Jon Watson says, “This little street cart selling gourmet craft popsicles quickly won over Atlanta with its creative and unique sweet treats. Flavors like Banana Pudding, Cantaloupe Basil, and Chocolate Sea Salt keep fans lined up for some tasty relief from the summer heat.”

2. Yumbii
3. Good Food Truck
4. Westside Creamery
5.

Continue reading Best food truck/street vendor »

Broadway legend Patti LuPone joins the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for two nights at Atlanta Symphony Hall

FRIDAY
Music: Patti LuPone, one of Broadway’s most celebrated performers, joins the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for a two-night stand just days after her brief appearance on the “Glee” season finale. See our interview with the theater legend. She performs at 8 p.m. May 27 and 28 at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Stage: Imagine finding the most perfect man in the world — muscular, beautiful and unable to speak — nearly naked on a street corner in New Orleans’ French Quarter. That’s what happens to two drag queens in Jim Grimsley’s “Mr. Universe,” which returns to the main stage at 7 Stages. Previews are May 26-27, and tickets are $13-$18. Opening night is May 28, with tickets at $60. The show continues through June 19 with regular ticket prices at $20-$25.

Stage: Pinch ’n Ouch Theatre presents the regional premiere of “Tape,” a play by Stephen Belber. Friends Jon and Vince …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: May 27-30 »

The spicy tonkotsu ramen at Umaido in Suwanee, chosen by readers and our critic as the best place in the Atlanta area to get ramen. Photo: Becky Stein, Special

YOUR PICKS
1. Umaido, Suwanee
You say, “Umaido in suwanee is awesome” and “My mouth is watering just by thinking about it.”

2. Yakitori Jinbei, Smyrna
3. Miso Izakaya, Atlanta
4. Shoya Japanese Restaurant, Doraville
5. Raku, Duluth

OUR PICKS
1. Umaido, Suwanee
The AJC dining team’s specialist in International Cuisine Gene Lee says, “People who have been to Umaido either love or hate this Korean ramen-ya. I’ve been multiple times and have never found anything to dislike about it. Although I prefer aged curly noodles that develop resilience to Umaido’s house-made straight Kyūshū style, the deep broth, aesthetic presentation of toppings, oil slick of black garlic oil, and that gorgeous whole soft-boiled egg stained with soy sauce ultimately are the reasons Umaido receives my top vote.”

2. Yakitori Jinbei, Smyrna
3. Sushi …

Continue reading Best ramen »

"The Wind Up Boy," a film from the folks at New Puppet Order, will debut as part of the Center for Puppetry Arts' Xperimental Puppetry Theater this weekend.

FRIDAY
Performing arts: The Center for Puppetry Arts’ Xperimental Puppetry Theater brings together artists of all disciplines to create bold, original experiments in puppetry for adult audiences. 8 p.m. May 20-21; 5 p.m. May 22. Tickets are $12.

Music: Kenny Chesney continues to cement his position as one of country music’s all-time greats, recently scoring his 20th No. 1 hit. Georgia’s own Billy Currington and Chesney’s frequent collaborator Uncle Kracker are also on the bill. 7 p.m. May 20 at Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood.

Sports, recreation: May 19 and 20 are the days for qualifying rounds in the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour at Lake Allatoona and both days are free to the public to watch. Saturday’s final is a ticketed event. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 19; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 20; 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. May 21. Admission …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: May 20-22 »