Bijou Cafe, the eatery of choice for Portland's power brokers, serves creative American cuisine that's whipped up using fresh, local ingredients. During breakfast, corn-flour pancakes are served with a side of oyster or snapper hash, and the super health-conscious can even get a bowl of steamed brown rice. Lunchtime offers up a roster of soups, salads and special entrees.Organic products are frequently incorporated, and you can also find tofu dishes. As is typical with popular eateries, Bijou can get crowded at times and could demand a wait.

When you visit Chez Jose East, bring the kids ­ they'll love the bottomless chips and salsa and the funky, slightly morbid decor. Terrific margaritas are a hit with adults, and there's food to please every palate. Along with standard Mexican dishes, you can also get designer fare. Among the options are zesty lime-chicken enchiladas and squash enchiladas dressed with peanut sauce. Grilled shrimp and a luscious mole sauce are also reasons to head over. Just make sure you arrive early, since they accept reservations only for groups.

Esparza's Tex-Mex Cafe is a fun, festive and eccentric eatery that serves some of the most intriguing enchiladas and tamales you'll ever taste. As you sit beneath an army of ceiling-dwelling marionettes, you'll dig into lamb enchiladas (which win particularly high praise) and other unusual offerings, such as ostrich, alligator, buffalo and salmon. If you're adventurous, you may even choose to sample the calf brain tacos. If not, just be relieved that there's chicken and beef. Servings are substantial, margaritas are terrific, and there's a great selection of tequilas as well. Plus, the jukebox plays great classic tunes. Casual dress. Reservations not accepted.

Hands On Cafe is a popular destination for creative university types, not least of all because it's located at the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts. The eclectic eatery gets high marks for its daily specials, including traditional Indian curries and polenta tamale pie. Soups, salads, and baked goods are made from scratch and are presented on locally-thrown stoneware plates, just to reiterate that handcrafted aesthetic. A craft shop and gallery can be found on-site.

Judiciously spiced and well-prepared, the food at India Oven attracts patrons who love genuine Indian cuisine. This small, unassuming restaurant serves a great lunch buffet, with a choice of dishes that ranges from simply prepared tandoor-style meats to more elaborate curries. Chicken, lamb and vegetarian entrees are all available, and you'll find everything from vindaloos to tikka masala, all at more than reasonable prices. Great naan, too. Second location at 344 N Main St in Gresham, 503-465-9423.