I go to Restaurant Week every year because it showcases the restaurants in our valley that not only have their own signature vibes with amazing food, but also contribute to the charitable climate of the desert. Bottom line: These restaurants are involved with the community and serve food to us on a daily basis.

 A preview event last night was promoting Restaurant Week, which takes place June 3-12. During this time, restaurants across the valley will offer dinners for $24 and $36, featuring their signature dishes.

This year, Escena Grill in Palm Springs hosted the kick off, with a modern yet contemporary party that included wine tasting and sample dishes from participating restaurants. Even though there was a smaller food presence then in prior years, the food quality and variety was a good showing.

Other restaurants that are participating had representatives on the scene like Willie Rhine from Acqua Pazza and Lulu and Mindy Reed from Zin American Bistro and Zini, enjoying the fruits of their valley peer chefs.

Highlights:

• The ahi tacos by Chef Andrew Copley of Copley's, with shells that are a sweetened of version of a classic cookie made with ginger, miso, and sesame seeds , are exquisite texture and taste combinations.
• Escena's short rib was something I have seen before, yet still perfectly satisfying with their tiny piles of julienned potato curls.
• Trio's tart cheesecake was tangy with lime and light enough to eat after one of their hearty dinners.
• Johnny Costa's served meatballs, which I have enjoyed my whole life.
• Cello, a little known gem that serves European bistro food served a nice display of charcuterie, antipasto, olives, grilled peppers and cheeses.

But the winner of the evening was Rio Azul with their sweet corn tamale. Expertly cooked, the tamale had a creamy density consistent throughout, studded with sweet corn kernels, with a shredded cheese topping. This tamale won my vote for a creative and contemporary twist on a traditional food.

Visit the website at www.palmspringsrestaurantweek.com to make a reservation.