Forget your plans for a summer diet. You’re out of luck. There’s no hope. Not with the Lebanese Food Festival back for its 16th year at St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church.

For three days, May 19-21, St. Anthony’s hoists the tents and rolls out the spread of Lebanese delicacies. Feast on such exotic creations as falafel, zalabia, shawirma and more, with Lebanese music and dancers providing the dining entertainment.

Grab one of the cookbooks available at the booths. You’ll be able to try these interesting dishes at home. The festival also offers takeout food from the menu and prepared box lunches. That sounds like a great idea since the festival starts on Friday morning. Try something different for lunch at the end of your work week, or make plans to visit over the weekend. You have nothing to lose. Except maybe a few pounds after it’s all over. Call 270-7234 or fax in your order to 273-9914. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. St. Anthony’s is located at 4611 Sadler Road, Glen Allen.

This Saturday or Sunday, once you’ve had your fill of tabouli and spiced shish kebob, head over to Brown’s Island and the River City Real Beer Fest for a thirst-quenching lager or two. Or three or four. At $1-$3 a beer, and with more than 40 flavors from 23 breweries, the hardest part will be deciding which golden ales and thick stouts to try. And please, hand the Expedition keys over to someone else. Noon-9 p.m. at Brown’s Island.