The manicotti, a favorite at La Tavola, which was your pick for best brunch in and around Atlanta. Staff photo

YOUR PICKS
1. La Tavola Trattoria
You say, “La Tavola in Virginia-Highland. Delicious and unique!”

2. Highland Bakery
3. J. Christopher’s
4. South City Kitchen
5. 57th Fighter Group Restaurant
6. Muss & Turner’s

Things get bubbly at the Cafe at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, which is our pick for best brunch in and around Atlanta. Photo: Becky Stein / Special

OUR PICKS
1. The Cafe at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
The AJC dining team’s specialist in Southern and Neighborhood Fare Jenny Turknett says, “At The Cafe at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead’s Sunday brunch, you’ll feel pampered and indulged. As you move from station to station, keep your eyes peeled for the fun shot glasses and tear-shaped dishes tucked here and there. They contain some of the most interesting and playful fare. Make your reservation after 12:30 p.m. so that you can partake in the bubbly bar and create …

Continue reading Best brunch »

In early April, Atlanta will host the NCAA Final Four men’s basketball tournament. That means Atlanta will also host a whole lot of basketball fans from all over the country, and some of those folks may be making their first trip to our city.

We want to give them a few tips on where to go, what to see and, most importantly, what to eat. And we need your help.

Over the next few months, we’ll focus on topics that we think will interest those out-of-town fans. When it comes to food, we’ll focus on crowd-pleasers and traditionally Southern specialties. As for the things-to-do topics, we’ll look at areas with the broadest appeal (or, considering the event, things that might appeal to the sports fan).

We’ll also leave a few spots open for your suggested topics. What do you think a visitor to Atlanta should know about? What have you found your own out-of-town guests asking? Tell us in the comments below and maybe it’ll show up as a topic in the coming months.

Continue reading Best of the Big A looks toward the Final Four »

Danny Johnson takes on the role of Martin Luther King Jr. and Demetria McKinney plays Camae, a maid, in Katori Hall's "The Mountaintop, " a dramatic take on King's last night. The show makes its Atlanta debut this week.

FRIDAY

Stage: “The Country Girl” is Clifford Odets’ drama about a fallen Broadway star, his beleaguered wife, and the brash young director whose reputation depends on them. It’s the latest production from Underground Theatre at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta and continues through  Nov. 17.

Stage: Polk Street Players present the British farce “Winter Glory” at St. James Episcopal Church in Marietta. It continues through Nov. 17 at St. James Episcopal Church in Marietta.

Stage: The Mountaintop, the play about Martin Luther King Jr.’s last days, makes its Atlanta debut, with True Colors’ Kenny Leon directing.

Holiday: The Pink Pig, one of Atlanta’s most beloved holiday traditions, is back. Ride …

Continue reading Best bets: Nov. 13-18 »

Photo: Jason Getz, jgetz@ajc.com

YOUR PICKS
1. Parisian Nail Salon
You say, “Parisian Nail Salon in West Cobb is the nicest nail salon in Atlanta. We’re talking about upscale atmosphere, consistently awesome service, disposable tools and autoclaved utensils. It doesn’t get better than that.”

2. Polished Nail Spa
3. Love Your Nails (tie)
3. The Nail Shop and Spa (tie)
5. Dream Nails

OUR PICKS
1. Unique Nail
We say, “Nestled behind Trader Joe’s in Midtown, Unique Nail is a little hard to spot, but it’s worth the search. It’s always clean, prices for a basic manicure/pedicure are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and efficient. And it’s a nice bonus to be able to walk next door to the Midtown Art Cinema to catch a flick after you’ve been pampered.”

2. Dream Nails, Norcross
3. iNails Salon & Spa, Atlanta
4. Endless Nail & Spa, Smyrna
5. Cleopatra Nails, Atlanta

Continue reading Best nail salon »