We love the concept of a free lunch, especially if it’s at . The Shockoe Slip restaurant has a new scheme called the 45-minute lunch. Basically they are promising lunch, from seating to check, in 45 minutes or it’s free. The new lunch menu is filled with easy-to-make salads and sandwiches, but the whole system could crumble under the weight of a massive lunchtime rush. Not that we’re hoping for that or anything.

Here’re a couple of events, one for those who like to be served and one for those who like to serve. holds its annual spring-menu tasting on Wednesday. Allow yourself to be decadently treated to the five-course preview for $65 per guest. Call 784-5126 for reservations.

Southern Living magazine is sending its “Cooking School” to VCU this Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5. Learn new recipes and get ideas for decorating and entertaining for your spring and summer parties this year, each day from 10 a.m.-noon. $15. 261-0205.

A summer shindig means you’re going to need to hit the stores. Instead of the enormous carts, questionable bargains and long lines at the local bulk-food warehouse, support a local business. We just got to know Anderson Seafood & Gourmet Meats, and discovered that the well-hidden market, which has been in the West End for seven years, also serves a mean lunch five days a week. Quiet, relaxed shopping and a scrumptious homemade meal in the same place, and you don’t need a membership to get in. Imagine that. 4915 Caskie St., near Willow Lawn.