Some Mighty Fine 'Chefs' of Marietta

First, a confession:  Marietta Patch is not a foodie.

In fact, we can enjoy anything at the , and almost as much as the fare at [insert name of what you think is the finest dining establishment in Marietta]. But the Patch HQ assignment for this week's Patch Picks involved listing some of the "Top Chefs" in Marietta. (Yeah, set us up for a debate.)

We put the word out on Facebook and Twitter and got a smattering of names for this week's column. Once again, we are pulling out the usual Patch Picks disclaimer: This isn't a definitive list but merely the start of a conversation.

Agree or disagree? Mad or pleased? Enlightened or incensed? Feel free to take it out in the comments box below... we insist upon it.

1. Alton Brown. Marietta's most famous denizen of the kitchen, who probably doesn't need more of a mention here. Brown this month announced the end of Good Eats, which has aired on the Food Network since 1999.

2. Johnnie Gabriel of . A professional baker since 1989, Gabriel finally opened her own store in 1996. Known mostly for after-dinner fare, Gabriel's Desserts now offers comfort food for all hours of the day. Her red velvet cake became a national sensation when cousin Paula Deen mentioned it on her show. Plus, she has her own line of cookbooks including Cooking in the South and Second Helpings.

Plus, she's closing the Art & Design Show House with a special "Encore" culinary demonstration on Sunday.

3. Johnny Lindley of . Shillings is a personal favorite for this non-foodie, partly because of the unique atmosphere of the dining establishment. (Marietta Patch is always fooled by the mirrored wall downstairs that gives the impression of a restaurant four times its size and cannot get enough of the Square view upstairs.) But the food is spectacular as well with a great menu of flame-grilled meats and pan-roasted vegetables. 

4. Alfred Carraz of . Tucked away near the northwest corner of Marietta Square, Le Cafe Crepe may truly be one of Marietta's great secrets. This French establishment offers a quaint setting and an amazing selection of entrees and delectable desserts. Our own Jan Katz-Kellogg recommends a reservation for the Saturday Gourmet Night Dinner, prepared by Carraz himself, which includes appetizer or soup, salad, entree and dessert.

5. Dave Poe of , Sam Huff at and Danny and Larry Williamson at . Can these fellas be considered chefs? I bet there are hundreds, if not thousands of readers, who will shout a big "Amen" to that. Take your pick. They're all good.