A quick lunch, part II

If you're a Bay Street business type who wants to close the big deal over a swish meal but are also trying to beat the recession blues, here's the first of what I'm certain will be many creative marketing tactics to get those expense account dollars in the front door.

Red's new lunch express menu, which began this week, promises lunchers will be well fed and on their way back to work in 30 minutes (there's no mention of what happens if they're not.)

The caveat? They have to be in the restaurant with orders placed before noon (the resto opens at 11:30 a.m.) and everyone at the table must participate.

At just $25 a head, you get a choice of two appetizers or sides, an entree and cappuccino or espresso with house-made biscotti to finish; nice touch. 

Menu items run from a classic French onion soup to Reds prime burger, hand cut fries with aioli and Shetland Farm's Scottish Atlantic salmon. 

I love chef Michael Steh's food, so this is a bargain at half the price.