Colorful costumes, graceful movement and beautiful music combine in performances by Shen Yun Performing Arts. The company will bring its take on traditional Chinese music amd dance to the Cobb Energy Perfroming Arts Centre this weekend.

FRIDAY
Recreation, families: The North Atlanta Trade Center in Norcross hosts the Great American Motorcycle Show. They’ll have a huge selection of two-wheeled machines and lots of bike-related activities, including a best-dressed biker kid contest. It’s happening Jan. 27-29.

Stage: Shen Yun Performing Arts offers classical Chinese dance and music inspired by the myths and legends of traditional Chinese culture. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and 2 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Stage: Théâtre du Rêve revisits its popular 2011 production, “The Red Balloon,” inspired by the classic French film, which comes to life with puppetry, live music and more. It opens Jan. 27 and continues through Feb. 12 …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Jan. 27-29 »

A sampler appetizer platter of various gumbos, red beans and rice and jambalaya at Gumbeaux’s in Douglasville, which was your pick and our pick for best Cajun/Creole restaurant in and around Atlanta. Photo: Renee Brock / Special

1.Gumbeaux’s Cajun Café
You say, “So worth the drive. The food is incredible and inexpensive. I just got back from New Orleans and it tastes just like the food there” and “Great food great atmosphere, most of the staff have been there forever and really make you feel part of the family. They always have great specials and 50¢ shrimp night. Their food is amazing and the portions are huge. Also the best banana pudding I have ever put in my mouth (sorry grandma ) lol. Seriously we go here on a regular basis and always refer our friends, clients and family. Check it out you will not be disappointed.”

2. Henry’s Louisiana Grill
3. Big Easy Grill
4. Adele’s Authentic Cajun Experience
5. AJ’s Famous Seafood and Po’boys
6. Cajun’s Cookin’

French Quarter Shrimp …

Continue reading Best Cajun/Creole restaurant »

The percussionists of "Blast" will drum up some excitement at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre this weekend.

FRIDAY
Stage: In the Atlanta Opera’s “The 24-Hour Opera Project,” composers and lyricists who have been selected to participate will be randomly paired together, and will have 12 hours to write an opera scene. At the end of 12 hours, the pieces will be assigned to a stage director, who will draft singers from a pool of applicants, and have eight hours to rehearse before presenting the pieces in a showcase concert 24 hours after the project begins. Kick-off event is at 5 p.m. Jan. 20; composition begins at 6 p.m. Jan. 20 (both take place at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta). The final concert is at 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Atlanta Opera Center.

Stage: 35 brass, percussion and visual performers come together in “Blast,” a blend of music and theater that received a 2001 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. Catch it at the Cobb Energy Performing …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Jan. 20-22 »

Bun Tom Thit Nuong Cha Gio at Pho Dai Loi in Forest Park, your pick for best Vietnamese restaurant. Pho Dai Loi also has a location on Buford Highway. Photo: Becky Stein, Special

YOUR PICKS
1. Pho Dai Loi
You say, “Another vote for Pho Dai Loi on Jonesboro Rd. Many a Saturday morning has found me there shaking off a hangover with a big bowl of pho and some Vietnamese coffee.” There is also a location on Buford Highway.

2. Lee’s Bakery
3. Chateau de Saigon
4. Pho Bac
5. Quoc Huong
6. Dua

A tasty bowl of pho at Nam Phuong in Norcross, our critic's pick for best Vietnamese restaurant in and around Atlanta. Nam Phuong now has a location on Buford Highway, too. Photo: Becky Stein, Special

OUR PICKS
1. Nam Phuong
The AJC dining team’s specialist in International Cuisine Gene Lee says, “Run by a mother and son team, Nam Phuong’s Norcross location impresses diners with a sophisticated upgrade not typically associated with Vietnamese dining. Around a year later, a second location …

Continue reading Best Vietnamese restaurant »