Intrigued by Caprial Pence's public television program, many diners come to sample the foods they see her prepare. The real-life experience is just as rewarding as the show. Pence's tendency is towards fusion cuisine, mixing worldwide influences and crafting something new in the process. Pan-seared duck breast comes with a ginger-soy reduction; grilled salmon features green tomato coulis and polenta; pasta and noodle dishes are perfectly cooked and accented with savory vegetables. Hot as Hell Chicken is especially good if you like spicy foods. No matter what you eat, make sure you save room for dessert and don't be shy about perusing the large wine wall, which features vintages from the West Coast and from Europe.

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.