Usher's off-the-cuff guide to enjoying Atlanta

Before Usher picks up the phone, his newly rehired publicist does.

He will talk about his new, politically minded charity single "Hush," she says, as well as, of course, the tour that stops in his hometown Monday night at the Tabernacle.

He will not talk about his second child on the way, what made him rehire his mom as manager (as well), or what the biggest artist of 2004 thinks is happening with his latest CD "Here I Stand" — sitting at No. 92 on Billboard's pop chart this week, and not a single hit on its Hot 100.

And yet, we still got personal with the R&B superstar.

Here's Usher's Atlanta:

• For a big meal it's usually ... "Wow — I've got to tread softly with that one because I like the great treatment I get! I'd have to say [Kevin Rathbun Steak] and South City Kitchen. Those are my favorite two. I like the swordfish at South City Kitchen and at Rathbun's, really, everything.

"For a dinner or lunch meeting though, the Grape [one of which he owns, in Inman Park]. I recommend the lamb chops. And as far as wine is concerned, I have the Cabernet — and Riesling. [Laughs] Notice I said and, not or! And if not Waffle House, I'd rather R. Thomas all day long because it's so healthy. The wings are the jam. And the free-range chicken with penne pasta. And you have to try the french toast!

"And Ibiza! I probably shouldn't be saying this, but I do the [hookah]. That's the highest I'll ever get!"

• To dance that meal off ... "You know, the clubs keep closing! And I really don't club that hard. But when I do, I'll be at Opera. At Pure. I'll be at Studio 72. And the W in Midtown."

• The go-to place for club gear ... "We don't have enough time. The list could go on forever. Let's just start with Bill Hallman. Neiman Marcus at Lenox [Square]. Wish — they have some of the hottest sneakers. And Standard ... And Walters. Believe it or not, I'm always there to step up my sneaker game."

• And if he's shopping for others ... "Neiman's again. Tons of other places, though. I'm a Crate & Barrel dude. Williams-Sonoma. For housewarming gifts, Space — that's my furniture spot. Hermes. Burberry."

• A guy's night out is typically spent ... "I don't know if I should say that either. [Laughs] Oh well — if [friend and producer] Jermaine [Dupri] is around, [adult entertainment club] Magic City. And if he's not, home. I mean, I'll go and rent out a VIP section or something ... but I'm more of a dinners-and-parties guy. Again, not much of a club dude. You saw how many restaurants I named — and I can keep going!

"Oh, add [The Real] Chow Baby! Forgot that one. Love that place!"

• When the family's all together, they usually are at ... "Regal 24 for a movie. Or I'm at Ten Pin [Alley in Atlantic Station]. Or even better, 300 [Atlanta, another bowling alley]. I like to throw private parties there or at Ten Pin."

• But when it's date night with his wife ... [Publicist interjects, and says he won't answer].

• OK then, finally, his favorite place to cruise around the city ... "Down 400 — and hopefully not getting a ticket!"

CONCERT PREVIEW

Usher

Monday at the Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. Tickets are $101-$126 at Ticketmaster, 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com. For more information go to www.usherone

nightstand.com.