In the GLBT community, the term “fresh and easy” might come off as racy innuendo. In Point Loma it’s a gourmet awakening of sorts, grabbing the attention of the frugal old riche. Last week’s opening of Fresh & Easy on Catalina Boulevard marked the seventh location of the British retailer grocery chain in San Diego, known in the U.K. as Tesco. According to one of the store managers I spoke with, “Nearly all of Point Loma turned out.” More stores are in the works locally, with one slated to open early next year on University Avenue at 32nd Street.

Smaller than most supermarkets, the inventory abounds in prepared, organic foods carrying the Fresh & Easy label, with prices comparable to those at Trader Joe’s. There are no deli counters or bakery sections, as nearly everything is prepackaged with the exception of whole melons. Checkout is self-service. And the aisles flash little color.

Only about 10 percent of the grocery items, dry and frozen, originate from familiar U.S. manufacturers, an allure to those burnt out on shopping at Von’s and Ralph’s. In addition to pre-made salads, sushi and sandwiches, consumers will discover novel items such as quince paste from Spain, carrot-ginger soup, lemon-cilantro hummus, affordably priced Humboldt Fog goat cheese and the Fresh & Easy line of gelato, which includes flavors such as pistachio, roasted banana and dark chocolate. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily. 955 Catalina Boulevard, 619-221-0073.

Bite in Hillcrest has raised $1,100 so far for a variety of local charities from a patio lemonade stand that it allows nonprofit organizations to run from 1 to 4 p.m. every Sunday. The 16-ounce lemonades, which also come in pomegranate and strawberry flavors, sell for $4 apiece. Beneficiaries change each week. Participating charities so far include Mama’s Kitchen, Monarch School, Pink Socks (for breast cancer) and the Hillcrest Historical Guild. The fund-raisers will be ongoing. Those interested in operating a stand should contact Chef Chris Walsh at bitesd@aol.com.

If you combine under one roof the merchandise from nearly every cooking store, kitchen appliance showroom and gourmet deli known to man, you’d end up with Cooking.com. The Web site features more than 90,000 products geared for both gourmands and novice home cooks. It’s a shopper’s paradise for those who like to entertain, too, as the site offers myriad cheeses, European butters, hearty breads, dry-cured salamis, game and poultry, plus dozens of dips and condiments.

Get your tickets now for a tequila fix later. In celebration of the 187th anniversary of Mexican Independence, The Polished Palate, a national event-planning organization, is holding a tasting of liquors and liqueurs made from agave. The event will be held from 7-9 p.m., Sept. 13, at the McMillin Event Center in the NTC Promenade. Master distillers, blenders and authors will be on hand to conduct educational seminars about the drinks. Proceeds will benefit troubled youth through the Sky Ranch Foundation. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door, which includes one anejo tasting. Additional sampling vouchers will be available for $5 apiece. 2875 Dewey St., 727-947-3522, www.polishedpalate.com.