A lot of people make New Year’s resolutions that somehow involve food. Mostly this involves eating far less of it, particularly stuff like donuts, potato chips, or just about anything that can be had at a vending machine.

This year, I, too, made a resolution of sorts that has to do with food. Except I’ve resolved to eat more of it. Specifically, from new local restaurants and food purveyors. I’ve resolved to either eat at one new restaurant or buy food from one new store roughly every week. (If it slips to once every 2 weeks, well, that’s OK too.)

And I’ve already cheated… sorta. I began my adventure during the last week of 2009, visiting Blackbird Baking in Lakewood to sample their bread, Maha’s Café on W. 25^th next to Metro, and even Umami Asian Kitchen in Chagrin Falls with some friends for a New Year’s Eve dinner.

I was helped along by Doug Trattner’s 2009 year-end review of Cleveland-area restaurants in the Scene, which did a good job of surveying the landscape of openings (and closings) over the past year.

This week’s stop was Michael Symon’s B Spot at Eton Chagrin Blvd., billed as a burger, brat, and beer joint.

I got there a little after 11, just after they’d opened for the day, and was only the 2^nd customer on hand, the other person being a guy at the bar. I figured I’d start simple and easy with a burger and fries. The server was friendly and cheerful and brought my food out in about 10 minutes.

The burger arrived with a Calphalon knife in the tray, just in case I needed to cut it down to size. No need, as the size was just about right; not too small, not too big. And not overly sloppy either, although I got a relatively neat and orderly cheeseburger with chopped lettuce, tomato, and red onion rings.

Pat La Frieda, a well-established family-owned NYC-based meat supplier, is the source of the beef for B Spot, and my medium-well patty was juicy and tasty. I was told there was a pickle bar too, but not being a fan of brined cukes, I passed.

And how were the Lola fries? Although I’m generally not a fan of the shoestring cut, these were really flavorful, probably because they’re cooked in that most heavenly of fats, lard. And the sea salt and rosemary seasoning helped, too, although the flavor can get a little intense as you near the bottom of the container where the seasoning settles out. The slightly spicy and tangy Lola ketchup (kept at the table along with a few other condiments) was the perfect accompaniment.

Each table also comes equipped with a handy roll of thick brown paper towels, perfect for cleaning up messy burger detritus.

The vibe is pretty laid back with good music, played not too loud. I sat next to a functioning Wayne Dalton garage door, which will open in warmer weather and allow for some alfresco dining.

For me, B Spot is a handy place for a meal when I’m on the east side of town at Trader Joe’s or somewhere else near Chagrin Blvd. Next time, maybe I’ll go for one of the Bad **s Shakes made with Mitchell’s ice cream. And there most certainly will be a next time.

BTW, I’m taking suggestions for my weekly adventure, so feel free to pass along any tips.