Six nights, 180 restaurants and infinite culinary possibilities await local diners as San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW) returns Sept. 19-24. Running Sunday through Friday nights, diners have the opportunity to select from three-course, prix-fixed menus at restaurants throughout San Diego County at the set price of $20, $30 or $40, depending on restaurant. “It’s a great community event, and it’s supporting local restaurants,” said Jenna Thompson, a spokeswoman for SDRW. The bi-annual event has proved to be a boon for the local dining industry during lean times, bringing in more than 100,000 diners to participating restaurants the last time it was held in January. According to Thompson, not only do locals participate, but some out-of-town guests plan their visits to San Diego around SDRW to take advantage of the deals offered during this time — and dine out multiple times during the week. Now in its seventh year, SDRW is sponsored by the California Restaurant Association San Diego Chapter, an organization created to promote restaurants across the state. No special tickets or passes are necessary to participate in SDRW, though diners are strongly encouraged to make reservations with their desired restaurants in advance, as tables fill up quickly. Walk-ins are welcome, however there is no guarantee they can be accommodated. During SDRW, a special menu is prepared by each restaurant where diners select their desired appetizer, main course and dessert. In most cases, the arrangement gives the opportunity to try a new restaurant at a greatly-reduced price. “It is the busiest week in my restaurants,” said executive chef Bernard Guillas of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Guillas observed that, in general, the local dining scene has taken a turn for the better as of late, including upticks in business at his restaurants The Marine Room and the Shores. “The tide has definitely turned,” he said. “But only if you have a product of good value, have a good promotion going on, and make sure to provide an experience.” The SDRW menu at the Marine Room includes wild Alaskan salmon, filet mignon and Guillas’ signature dessert trilogy. From the event website, www.san-diegorestaurantweek.com, diners can search by location, cuisine, price, or specific restaurant. Links to participating restaurants are available from the site, as are features such as conducting a search for places with vegetarian options. Some participating restaurants in La Jolla are The Marine Room, Whisknladle and George’s at the Cove. Restaurant week gift cards are available for purchase. For a complete restaurant listings and menus visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com, or call (619) 233-5008 for more information.