If you're just looking for something quick, cheap, and good to eat, there are lots of great options around the city. Downtown, at Good Dog/Bad Dog, 708 SW Alder St. (tel. 503/222-3410), you'll find handmade sausages. The bratwurst with kraut and onions is a good deal.

Designer pizzas topped with anything from roasted eggplant to wild mushrooms to Thai peanut sauce can be had at * Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza. Find them downtown at 705 SW Alder St. (tel. 503/226-1007); in Northwest at 505 NW 23rd Ave. (tel. 503/242-0023); and in Southeast at 2811 E. Burnside (tel. 503/236-6045).

In the Pearl District, there's * In Good Taste at 231 NW 11th Ave. (tel. 503/241-7960), a cooking school and store that also serves a bistro lunch. Order such items as caramelized tomato tart and maple-spice pork loin sandwich at the counter, and take a seat anywhere you like.

Over in Southeast Portland, you can't miss the Kitchen Table Café, 400 SE 12th Ave. (tel. 503/230-6977), in the yellow and purple building on the corner of SE Oak and SE 12th streets. This is a great place for homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches.

If you're in the mood for a picnic, Elephant's Delicatessen, 13 NW 23rd Place (tel. 503/224-3955), is a good place to go for your supplies, including cheeses, sandwiches, wines, and yummy desserts. Head up to nearby Washington Park to enjoy it all.

If you find your energy flagging while shopping in the funky Hawthorne district, do as the French do and a grab a filling little crepe. Chez Machin, 3553 SE Hawthorne Blvd. (tel. 503/736-9381), can whip up any of more than two dozen sweet or savory crepes for you. If you've got a sweet tooth, be sure to try the Nutella custard crepe. This place also operates a crepe cart on NW 23rd Avenue.