With the publication of "Belly of Atlanta -- A Homegrown Guide to the Good Places," you'll have plenty to pick from without ever feeling the need to go to the Hard Rock Cafe. Focusing on intown Atlanta, each section of "Belly" provides a description of a neighborhood, a map and reviews of the places to visit in that area. The playful, irreverent style gives the reader a homegrown perspective on the city. Whatever your itch, the "Belly" boys know how to scratch it. In addition to offering a local's perspective on Atlanta landmarks such as the Varsity and Krispy Kreme, the book is also chock full of great places that many locals might not even be aware of.

Looking for food? They might send you to Kool Korner. In this little grocery, located west of midtown at the corner of Fourteenth and State Streets, you can find "the perfect Cuban sandwich; served up with a healthy patter of Spanish sarcasm and a heaping relish of hot peppers." You'll have to get it to go, and you can't call your order in ahead (they don't have a phone), but "Belly" promises these inconveniences are nothing in the face of "the best Cuban sandwich you'll find north of Miami."

If it's culture you're craving, they suggest a visit to Panorama Ray's on Carroll Street, east of downtown in an area called Cabbagetown. "The man's a legend in Atlanta and his unique photographs are treasured collectibles." If you're the do-it-yourself type, head to The Painted Biscuit on Buckhead Avenue in Buckhead, where "you choose from 100 pieces of "green" ceramic (plates, bowls, vases, mugs and more) and paint to your heart's content. When you're done, they'll fire it for you and you can pick it up in a couple of days."

"Belly" focuses on inexpensive intown spots in neighborhoods like Little Five Points, Downtown, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, Midtown and Buckhead. As the introduction to the book states: "We live here. In the city; not the suburbs."

The book is written by three Atlantans -- John T. Edge, Nelson d. Ross and Boyd Baker -- whose hearts, souls and stomachs are deeply entrenched in the inner workings of the city. They have been there, seen that and done that all over Atlanta. Whether you're seeking a limited edition vinyl pressing of an obscure local band, or looking for the greasiest breakfast this side of Mayberry, they know where to tell you to go.

In Atlanta, "Belly" is available at A Cappella Books, The Fish Hawk, Oxford Book Store and Urban Nirvana. For more information, call Intown Publishers (404-875-5339), or send email to johnt@teclink.net.