Keep your energy levels up while shopping at the new Avenue Forsyth, now open at 410 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming. Along with clothing, decor and gift stores, buyers can take a break for a sweet fix at Dreamy Gelato, Fuzziwig's Candy Factory or Chocolatier Luxury Chocolates. Have a bison burger at Ted's Montana Grill, a pulled pork sandwich at Jim and Nick's Bar-B-Q or a gourmet burger at Red Robin. Sushi, steak and seafood are served at Ichiban Steak and Sushi, while pub grub's the thing at the Firkin and Crown. There's pizza and pasta at Little Azio and plenty of chicken at Chick-fil-A. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.shoptheavenue.com for details on your favorite eatery.

> Having a gluten allergy shouldn't keep you from enjoying a good meal. At Meehan's Ale House in Sandy Springs, chef Linda Harrell has created a special menu for gluten-sensitive diners. She can also alter items from the regular menu upon request. Among the dishes that are safe for sufferers: a salad of mozzarella, tomato, arugula, balsamic vinegar and basil; mixed greens with goat cheese, almonds, avocado and oranges in a citrus raspberry vinaigrette; shrimp scampi with basmati rice; chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, basil and sun-dried tomatoes with citrus butter. Meehan's, 227 Sandy Springs Place, opens at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday; at 11 a.m. on weekends. 404-843-8058; www.meehansalehouse.com.

> It's been one year since LowCountry Barbecue opened its Outpost restaurant, where diners can enjoy Carolina-style 'cue without having to tailgate to a football game. But with the growth exploding in the area, perhaps LowCountry's owners decided the Johns Creek area isn't such a far-off place anymore. The restaurant at 3455 Peachtree Parkway recently dropped the "outpost" from its name and became LowCountry Restaurant. Drop by for classic barbecue and sides, as well as shrimp and grits, fried catfish and more from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 678-688-7678; www.lowcountrybbq.com.

> Admit it: You go for the chocolate fondue. But there's more than dessert at the Melting Pot, 1055 Mansell Road in Roswell. The longtime favorite of folks who like to cook their selections right at the table, the Pot recently began offering a four-course Caribbean-inspired menu. Main courses include meats and seafood with Caribbean rubs —- vanilla rum chicken, peppered shrimp, lobster and jerk sirloin. And yes, there's still chocolate at the end, this time in a bananas Foster fondue flambeed tableside. Hours are from 5 p.m. daily; 770-518-4100; www.themeltingpot.com.

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