For a looong time I’ve been thinking about how I should be using my car less because of its toll on the environment, the issue of obesity in America, political issues like offshore drilling, and simply because it’s just plain dumb for me to be driving to the places I’ve been driving to.  I have zero excuses for driving as much as I do.  It’s just become a bad habit.  I live in the heart of the city where many things I need are within a mile or less.

Sunday night, Mike and I were getting ready to pick up some dinner (around the corner). We jumped in my car and as it started moving forward we heard this painfully loud, terrible screeching noise like metal scraping metal.  My trusty car was sick for the first time and had to be taken in.

So this week, I’ve had to rely on walking and biking for everything I needed to do.  Yesterday, I walked over to Gilbert’s Meditteranean Cafe for their lunch specials.  I love this place.  They have one of the best weekday lunch deals ever and everything is crazy delicious.

Lovely open air dining area with a nice people watching view of Piedmont & 10th.

Cute decor in the friendly and cozy dining area.

Pick 3 combo for $8.99 - Caprese Salad, Babaganoush with Pita, Lemon Chicken Sandwich.

Later that afternoon, I walked to Trader Joe’s on Monroe & 8th to pick up groceries for dinner.  I broke a little sweat, but it was pretty painless!  Their recyclable bags make it easy for you to throw your purchases over your shoulder and carry home.  By the end of the day I felt really good about walking everywhere.  I think I’ll do this more often and pretend like I don’t have a car.  Too bad it took my car being screwed up for me to FINALLY start doing this.

One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta is the Flying Biscuit.  I like to go to the one on Piedmont Ave & 10th Street since I can just walk there.  I love the organic oatmeal pancakes with peaches on top… mMmMM!  I usually end up loving everything I order from the Flying Biscuit.  They’re mainly known for their (all day) breakfasts, but I’ve been here for the dinner menu once and it was pretty damn good!  I have no idea why the dinner crowd is so sparse.  The weekend wait for breakfast can also be long, but then again I don’t mind since that corner tends to be a really good people watching spot!

“The High Flyer” An organic oatmeal pancake with warn peach compote, 2 eggs, and a sausage

…and also served with a flying biscuit (I added the gravy), and your choice of moon dusted potatoes, creamy dreamy grits, or a side salad of field greens.  Yum!!!