If you work in the Financial District, chances are you've reached the end of your rope more than once when it comes to lunch options: falafel, soup, sandwich, burrito -- and repeat, ad infinitum. But don't forget that the Ferry Building is really only a few blocks away, and while there's enough precious, high-priced foodstuffs to choke a gourmand over there, there are also excellent, healthy routine-busters like the Lunch Hour Chef Series. Hosted by CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) and Parties that Cook, it's a Friday series of one-hour hands-on cooking lessons -- sandwich and salad, nothing too complex. The ingredients come from the Farmers Market, and when the cooking is all done, you can eat there or take it back to the office. The next lesson is happening this Friday, August 1, from noon to 1:00 p.m. The menu goes like this: Grilled chicken sandwich with marinated artichokes and lemony hummus (substitute grilled vegetables for the vegetarian option); arugula salad with grilled peaches, gorgonzola cheese and candied pecans; $25 per person. Buy advance tickets here.

-- Brian Bernbaum