For one reason or another, I get a lot of questions, sent to me via email, phone, etc. They’re about anything and everything you could think of — good hotels in various cities, computer-related inquiries, restaurant suggestions, and so many more that defy a singular category that I’ll just let you use your imagination. As such, I’ve even contemplated making an “Ask Aubrey” site to answer these in a public venue, since very few topics are taboo with me. In the meantime, I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately, so figured this would be a lovely way to spend a Friday afternoon and decided to answer them.

Q: What are some good restaurants in Atlanta to go to for a group dinner?
A: I always first recommend “ONE.Midtown Kitchen.” They have a fantastic back room/patio that has a view of the skyline, and they’ve always been great to accommodate a larger group. That said, expect a wait if you’re just going there for dinner — it’s the only thing I have found to be somewhat sub-par about the place. (Both the food and drink menus are good and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.) Other than that, you can always do the Tapas route (not my favorite, but a lot of people enjoy.) Eclipse di Luna in Miami Circle is preferred over Loca Luna, and though it doesn’t accommodate a larger group that well, my favorite is actually Cafe Tu Tu Tango in Buckhead. For general other restaurante suggestions, a little-known gem is “Vinocity” (13th and W. Peachtree, caddy-cornered from Cosmopolitan.) First, they have a TON of wines, all of which you can get by the glass. Secondly, their menu, while sounding eclectic, doesn’t disappoint. It’s not bargain basement prices, but it’s affordable if you’re looking for a nicer meal and the decor of this converted house is very urban, soothing, and cool. The best deal in town for sushi is actually Benihana (on Peachtree) — note that you have to sit at the sushi bar to get the deals but the Buckhead Roll is HUGE, decadent, and like $5. Johnny’s Pizza & Subs on Elizabeth Street in Inman Park (they have other locations around the city) is a cheese-lover’s fantasy. Get the Calzone. To top it all off, Cafe Intermezzo has a frighteningly large selection of desserts — pies, cakes, tortes, and the like. Their ‘smaller plates’ are a good appetizer, and it’s romantic. When all you want is an ice cream cone, nothing beats Jake’s Ice Cream (two locations: one in Midtown behind Benihana, the other in Inman Park on N. Highland.)

Q: How do you build and maintain your website?
A: I was lucky enough to have worked for a great company when I first moved to Atlanta, with truly the smartest and most talented designers around. Not only were they skillful, they were — are! — so very helpful in all things design and coding-related, and nary a week goes by that I still email/IM someone with a dumb techie question that I can’t figure out. I use Dreamweaver for my design and Movable Type as my content management system. I’m a moron with CSS and still haven’t gotten it to look the way I want it to, but it’s coming.

Q: Aren’t you always changing jobs? Why?
A: True, this is my third job since I’ve lived in Atlanta. I moved down here to work for Macquarium, which I did for nearly 2 years, and then was recruited by Booz Allen Hamilton to write for the CDC. Let’s just say that never happened — the only writing I did my entire time there was a formal letter of complaint. I’m now at Google and am happy as a clam. (It’s about time, too — I swear half of my friends were close to killing me with my clinginess and high-maintenance attitude of “EMAIL/CALL/VISIT ME NOW” — what can I say? Boredom doesn’t suit me well.

Q: Who are you dating these days?
A: Boys. (Note the plural.)

Q: Do you have any suggestions for weddings?
A: Um, general question, but the answer is yes. Go here. And here. And here. And here. Oh, and if I’m your friend, I’ll do your calligraphy.

Q: What is your favorite city in America? What about the world?
A: America — well, I do love San Diego. The weather, the beach — wonderful. The older I get, the more I know I want to settle down close to the water, or at least have a house there. (Wrightsville Beach is pretty fantastic, too.) I also love the Green River Valley in Utah — I went on a trip my Senior year in High School to Canyonlands National Park, and I can’t tell you how often I still think about that time. It was in the midst of chaos — graduating, not knowing where I was going to school, being head over heels for this boy, yada yada, and I found peace in the land. I think the sentiment is common amongst those of us who went. For urban areas, Chicago and DC are the front runners. New York overwhelms me a bit, to be perfectly honest. In the world, Sydney. I would move there in a heartbeat, no regrets.

Q: Do you like being an only child?
A: This question always irks me, as I’ve never known anything else. But, in a general sense, yes. I have an extremely close relationship with both of my parents, and I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I’m an only child. That said, I do remember a time when I was practically running a campaign to get a brother and sister — I remember going on walks with my Mom and trying to strategically convince her that it was a good idea. Needless to say, my view didn’t prevail. Re: the requisite spoiled question, yes, at times, I was. I always had what I needed, and often even had everything I wanted. Still, I appreciated — and do appreciate — it, and know how lucky I was. These days, I would say I’m far from spoiled, for one reason or another, and have learned the meaning and value of money, things, friends, etc.

Q: You drunk dial more than anyone I’ve ever met. Why?
A: I’m communicative. I lose track of how many times I have already called. And, above all, I have a skewed sense of self when drunk. I honestly believe that you, whoever you are, really DO want to talk to me. Right then. About whatever I want. It’s my only child coming out with a vengeance.

There’s a ton more I could answer, so to you, ask away. (Email me or post in the comments, and I’ll add here.) After all, I’m never one to mince words…