Reader's Choice

Vote now for your favorite spots in Atlanta in The Sunday Paper's readers Choice Awards. Click here to vote. My picks were pretty easy.]

best overall: Ecco, Woodfire grill (tie)

best new restaurant: Empire State South (I'm betting on it)

BEST LOCAL CHEF: Kevin Gillespie, Hector Santiago (tie)

BEST WAIT STAFF: La Tavola

BEST BARBECUE: Fatt Matt's

BEST PUB FOOD: The Porter

BEST SEAFOOD: Oceanaire

BEST SOUTHERN: South City Kitchen

BEST SANDWICH SHOP: Alon's

BEST BRUNCH: Parish

BEST DESSERT: flourless chocolate cake with olive oil and sea salt-La Tavola

BEST BLOODY MARY: Front Page News

BEST WINE LIST: Ecco

BEST ICE CREAM: Jakes

BEST RECESSION-FRIENDLY CHEAP EATS: El Taco

BEST BEER SELECTION: Brickstore

BEST PIZZA: Antico

BEST TAPAS: Pura Vida

BEST BARTENDER: Hadi Joyce, Wisteria

BEST PATIO: Six feet Under (rooftop, but patio nonetheless)

patio season

Let patio season begin! Whenever I think of moving from the south, patio dining pulls me back. Dining al fresco is a treat, even during the other season in the south-pollen season. I love that Open Table now has a listing for outdoor dining.

Onto my patio. After the arduous task of removing the chartreuse pollen from my space, it is ready for plants, twinkling lights and friends. Cheers to patio season!