What's Cookin'?

Tonight, many people (myself included) will go out to eat rather than slave over a stove after a long week at the office. But when it comes to selecting a restaurant, what factors do you take into account?

• Proximity? (to your home or whatever activities your evening holds)
• Cost?
• Type of food?
• Vegetarian-friendly?

But what about corporation? Are you more likely to choose a chain or a local restaurant?

Not too long ago, it really didn't make a difference to me. These days I'm frequently pulled toward independent restaurants. These tend to be more locally supportive and less uniform.

For example, Leon's in Decatur, Ga., has signs inside the restaurant boasting from which local farms its ingredients originate.

Why does this matter? When you eat locally-grown foods, you are supporting your local economy. These foods also required fewer resources to get to you.

Think globally, act locally, as they say.

(Don't worry Chili's, you're probably my favorite chain.)