We can't help you with that philosophical battle over resolving in the new year to join a gym or invest in a chocolate factory.

But cutting costs?

		JOSHUA TRUJILLO / P-I
	Good cafeteria eats? Try the Vegetable Pot Pie at Bastyr University.

We can do that.

And eating right?

So long as "right" means "deliciously."

Here in alphabetical order are 10 of our top Cheap Eats picks from 2006. The first is even a good bet for those who are counting calories.

Bastyr University Cafeteria

14500 Juanita Drive N.E., Kenmore;

425-823-1300

The center for alternative medicine offers vegetarian, vegan-friendly, organics-heavy, allergy-sensitive, mostly healthful -- and surprisingly tasty -- food.

El Quetzal

3209 Beacon Ave. S.; 206-329-2970

Come here for king-size servings of specialties that include Gigantes Huaraches (oval corn dough "pizzas"), cactus salad and a Quesadilla Gigante filled with Mexican chicharones (pork cracklings) cooked in chipotle sauce.

		KAREN DUCEY / P-I
	Juan Montiel, who runs El Quetzal with his wife, holds an El Nopal Salad. The restaurant is known for its generous portions.

Green Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant

418 Eighth Ave. S.; 206-340-1388

This small but attractive Vietnamese restaurant combines terrific flavors, generous portions and friendly service.

Kusina Filipina

3201 Beacon Ave. S.; 206-322-9433

The counter brings a school cafeteria to mind, but the flavors of the Filipino food here burst with piquancy and variety.

Palermo

350 15th Ave. E.; 206-322-3875

Palermo offers gourmet pizza that could satisfy even a New Yorker, and a selection of more than two dozen pies.

Roy's BBQ

4903 1/2 Rainier Ave. S.; 206-723-7697

Patrons moan with pleasure at the pulled pork sandwiches, but you'll also appreciate the owners' slavish attention to the brisket, pork, basa fish and Taylor Farm oysters they smoke into mouth-watering goodness for 12 hours at a time.

Seņor Moose Cafe

5242 Leary Ave. N.W.; 206-784-5568

		JOSHUA TRUJILLO / P-I
	If you like Vietnamese food, turn over a Green Leaf.

Mexican food is much more than burritos and nachos at this comfortable cafe. Try the scrambled eggs with chorizo from Michoacan, tortas from Jalisco or an almond mole from Oaxaca.

Sweet and Savory

1418 31st Ave. S.; 206-325-2900

Come to this little Parisian spot out of space and time to enjoy house pastries, daily savories and, especially, a hot cocoa that is a tiny cup of thick paradise.

Tagla Cafe

4423 Rainier Ave. S.; 206-721-3355

This Rainier Valley restaurant, which shares owners with the neighboring grocery store, offers fresh, authentic Ethiopian meals (including breakfast), delightfully kind service and prices so low we felt guilty not paying more.

		JOSHUA TRUJILLO / P-I
	Zeleke Tesfahun shows off one of Tagla Cafe's massive Ethiopian combination plates.

Two Tartes Bakery, 5629 Airport Way S.;

206-767-8012

The atmosphere is no-frills, but why pretty things up when the food already tastes so good? Soup, sandwiches and pastries all drew high marks, with chocolate-chip oatmeal cookies as special winners.

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