Welcome to another of our annual Best Of issues.This is always a favorite of ours to produce as we have the opportunity to publish what you – the readers –vote for the best of in Cobb County.

Each year I share my personal best of which provides me a chance to tell you about the gems I find in this community.

The best restaurant for me is still the Marietta Diner. I've mentioned this restaurant before, but nothing quite beats the food, service and the portions at this iconic Cobb dining spot.

Last year I wrote about best steamed spinach. This year, I've got a recommendation for best vegetable soup. I heartily recommend Johnboys on Canton Highway. Cobb Life Associate Publisher Jay Whorton and I go out for lunch every month or so. Our goal? To find the best Southern and country cooking in the county. We've been to several restaurants the past couple of years, but this year Johnboys is at the top of the list, especially their vegetable soup they dish up only on Tuesday.

And the best place to watch a concert? Once again, it is the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. In 2011 a few friends and I went to go see Wilco perform. The sound, setting, and overall experience are still unparalleled. While those are a few of mine, I also wanted to share some of our staff picks.

Cobb Life graphic designer and writer Stacey L. Evans said the best soup in Cobb is Farmer's Market Bisque at Vineyard Café on the Marietta Square. In her words, “The subtle flavors in this creamy dish blend perfectly. It's a soothing, sumptuous soup.”

She also chose The Lunch Basket in Marietta as best veggie sandwich around. “Packed with the usual lettuce, tomato and cheese, what makes this sandwich stand out is the sprouts and sweet carrot raisin salad added to it. Plus, there is a variety of bread options to choose from, including a croissant or spinach wrap, which are my favorites. Lunch Basket also has great sweet tea and the staff there is always friendly.”

Her favorite place to relax and enjoy coffee or tea? Land of a Thousand Hills coffee shop, located inside The Walton on the Chattahoochee apartment complex.

Our arts and adventure contributor Allen Bell named Laseter's Tavern the best place to eat and enjoy a drink before a concert at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. For those not in the know, Laseter's is about a mile south of the centre on Highway 41. Bell also said the Australian Bakery and Cafe is the best place, “to hear bluegrass on a Tuesday night on the Marietta Square while noshing on chicken curry pot pie, French onion soup and Vitamin Water.” He dubbed Cumberland Boulevard as the best place to spot zombies, alluding to the science fiction filming that occurred there last summer.

Food writer Joan Durbin named Penang off George Busbee Parkway, Kennesaw as her favorite international food. As she wrote, “Once I tasted the rich panoply of spices, chilis and exotic ingredients in Penang's Malaysian dishes, I couldn't go back to everyday, run-of-the-mill Chinese and Thai.”

If you are a home cook, she recommends paying a visit to East Cobb's Cook's Warehouse.

“The culinary classes offered at this newest location of the local retail chain are chock full of advice, demos and hands-on food preparation. You'll leave with plenty of kitchen know-how and enthusiasm.”

Our staff photographer Reid Traylor, who will proudly admit he is an auto nut, said Forged Performance is the best automotive shop in Cobb and gave a thumbs-up to the best drive along Bill Murdock and Casteel roads in East Cobb.

Fashion contributor and versatile writer Meredith Pruden named Laredo's as her favorite restaurant: “Not your average Mexican joint and an almost gourmet twist on alternatives. Also, great margaritas!” Dyer & Posta got her nod as Cobb's top hair salon. In her words, “a little slice of New York tucked away in Kennesaw (without all the attitude to boot).”

For favorite shopping she mentioned Blackwell's Jewelers and Livi Rae Lingerie. She named Winston's as her favorite pub, Famous Nails as her favorite nail salon and Paper Mill Park as her favorite place to get away.

Do you have a favorite Best Of Cobb? We're always looking for new ideas from our readers. Shoot us a line at mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com and have a great year getting out and exploring your community.