Augusta, "In the Heart of the City," combines architectural drama and a continental menu, with fresh ingredients simply prepared, expertly seasoned and artistically presented with emphasis on healthfulness.

Impressive double doors open to the sweeping two-story restaurant. Denise, known for her artistic ceilings, has created an original for the bar. Because of her love of metals, she designed a banister of metal and glass, which outlines a dramatic cherry wood staircase. A loft-like dining area overlooks the more intense activity of the lower dining room, where an exhibition kitchen plays center stage in a fascinating culinary show. Ochre-washed cement floors give way to black tweed carpeting and the white walls and ceiling are a backdrop for carefully chosen great art. All complemented with fun fabrics imitating leopard skin, cowhide and tapestry.  

One of the desert's most frequented restaurants, Café des Beaux-Arts brings the amiable fare and relaxed ambiance of an authentic French sidewalk café to El Paseo. From its vantage point across from The Gardens on El Paseo, the signature green-awning covered patio wraps around the corner of Larkspur Lane where diners observe all the excitement that this sophisticated street has to offer.

As the name means "Café of Fine Art," changing exhibits of exceptional artwork from neighboring galleries grace its walls. Scenes from French and Mediterranean countrysides to splashes of tropical color reflect owner Didier Bloch's own culinary experiences in France, Switzerland, Canada, and Tahiti. White wrought-iron and green-and-peach napery add festivity to the patio, which can be glass-enclosed for inclement weather.Open for breakfast during the weekends, and for lunch and dinner daily, Café des Beaux-Arts also accommodates private parties. Ample parking is located directly behind the restaurant.  

Since trading in their courtrooms for dining rooms in 1985, former federal prosecutors Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield have created one of the most popular, casual, full-service restaurant chains in the country. Friends and law partners for more than 30 years, they set out to expand culinary horizons. They wanted hearth-baked pizzas topped with everyone's favorite ingredients.

Pre-CPK, when people thought of pizza, they thought of pepperoni. Not anymore. Diners nationwide now queue up for favorites like the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Kung Pao Spaghetti, innovative salads and to-die-for desserts. To keep fans coming back for more, new menu items are introduced regularly. Late-breaking additions range from the Hawaiian Poke Martini, Bangkok Calamari, Thai Crunch Salad, and CPK's newest pizza, the spicy Chipotle Chicken Pizza.

CPK has something for everyone, starting with great food at moderate prices, served by an expert staff. Vegetarians and health-conscious patrons can choose from meatless, cheeseless pizzas. Traditionalists enjoy CPK's Sweet and Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza and their thin crust Sicilian pizza. The award-winning CPKids menu features child-size pizzas, pastas, and desserts.  

Enter the doors of Castelli's and you'll believe you have just stepped into a small bistro in romantic Tuscany. Soft lighting, lace curtains, dark warm woods, an abundance of fresh flowers and greenery set the tone for a wonderful dining experience. Michael and John Castelli offer you a warm greeting before seating you in the intimate enclosed patio, in the well-known "Celebrity Room" where the walls are lined with photos of celebrities, or in one of their elegant private dining rooms. These intimate spaces offer the perfect setting for receptions, private parties, meetings, and banquets.

Part of the fun of dining at Castelli's is discovering Chef Brian Altman's seasonal specials and having your dinner cooked exactly to order, whether it's Baby Rack of Lamb, Australian Lobster Tails or their famous Costoletta de Malaile, two juicy pork chops, charbroiled and served with a sherry wine glaze and fresh baked apples.

After dinner, sip a Cappuccino Romano and linger over a classic Italian dessert, such as Tiramisú, Crème Brûlée or Spumoni. Absolute perfection!

Open for dinner nightly from 5:30 p.m. Reservations suggested. Catering and banquet facilities are available. Full bar and entertainment with Joe Jaggi.  

INVITING FRENCH FARMHOUSE AT ENTRADA DEL PASEOInspired by rural farmhouses from his native Lyon, France countryside, Cuistot's chef and owner Bernard Dervieux designed and created the fabulous 7,100-square-foot restaurant on the corner of El Paseo and Highway 111.

Cuistot's comfortable upholstered settees, chairs, and décor are appointed in a rich palette of gold, copper, charcoal, and luminous burgundy. Tables beckon with starched white linens illuminated by candles in this warm, inviting French country atmosphere.

Cuistot's loyal patrons now fully appreciate that Bernard has more under his toque than the award-winning California French cuisine he has offered for the past 19 years in Palm Desert.

Trained by world-renowned chefs Paul Bocuse and Roger Vergé, Dervieux's cuisine consistently earns top ratings from the Zagat Survey and other prestigious awards. Cuistot is gaining even wider acclaim with such touches as a petite first course of seafood, paté, or brioche as soon as guests are seated.

Cuistot's inviting bar and impressive wine cellar feature premier selections from France and California that pair with the innovative California French cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, reservations are recommended.  

Reminiscent of classic American grills of the 1920s and '30s, Daily Grill on El Paseo continues the tradition of serving down-to-earth American cuisine in an ambiance of a simpler, bygone era. Rich mahogany echoes throughout the restaurant from a massive bar with mirrored mantle to wainscoting and booths dressed in dark green leather. Cozy lamps pour pools of light over each table, creating a warm, comfortable feeling. The black-andwhite diamond-patterned marble floor is crisp and distinctive.

In cities across America, Daily Grill restaurants are famous for Midwestern aged beef steaks and chops, fresh seafood, pastas, Cobb and Caesar salads, and American favorites such as Meat Loaf and Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Pot Pie, and classic desserts. New to Palm Desert's Daily Grill is the addition of great seasonal menus.

Enjoy dining outdoors on one of two misted and heated patios overlooking El Paseo at Ocotillo, indoors at cozy booths and tables seating four, eight or more, or in the Private Dining Room for up to 32 guests. Advance reservations for the Private Dining Room are a must, however, with customized and special menus as well as regular lunch or dinner items available.

Open year-round, Daily Grill serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Order breakfast or lunch Saturday mornings, brunch or lunch on Sunday - Cobb Omelette, California Benedict, and Smoked Salmon (Lox) Platter are favorites.  

For restaurant owner Louis Pagano, the secret to serving up great seafood is simple - use only the finest quality fish and cook it as simply as possible to let the flavor speak for itself. "I grew up crewing on my father's fishing boat in San Pedro, and learning to cook and serve seafood in his popular restaurant - Luigi's. Seafood is something I know very well," says Pagano with pride.

Providing hungry diners with fresh cooked-to-order seafood and optimum dining value is what keeps customers coming back time and again to three Fisherman's Market & Grill locations. Each of the popular spots has its own unique ambiance that's casual yet upscale. Both the Palm Desert and La Quinta locations are conveniently situated in neighborhood shopping plazas with ample parking.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, Fisherman's Market & Grill is a tasty stop for premium seafood at affordable prices served in a relaxed atmosphere

Inviting. Original. Uncompromising quality. Superb cuisine graciously served in an extraordinary atmosphere, is the unique inspiration of proprietors Jay and June Trubee. The Trubees' winning combination has earned Jillian's many accolades including a feature in Gourmet Magazine and the Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence" since 1994. They attribute much of their success to their loyal staff, with most having been with them since 1986.

Jay's Culinary Institute of America training and travels in Europe and the United States have inspired his imaginative, eclectic cuisine. All pastas, breads, and desserts are made fresh in-house daily. He is also responsible for their extensive wine list. His love of the art of cooking paired with fine wine and the desire to continually strive for perfection distinguishes Jillian's.

It is with impeccable taste and style that June has created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The four intimate dining rooms are decorated with luxurious tapestry-upholstered chairs, antiques, fresh flowers, and a superb art collection including three paintings from the mid-1800s. Each room connects into a charming courtyard, magically lit in the evening for romantic outdoor dining.

Upon arriving, guests enter through wrought-iron gates designed by June, into an enchanting, garden and patio filled with vibrantly colored flowers. This is the perfect place to relax listening to live music while enjoying a drink under a star-lit sky. Each summer the Trubees, with daughters Jillian and Mackenzie, travel to Nantucket, always in search of new ideas to keep their restaurant fresh and interesting for their loyal following of local and celebrity clientele. This year's travels include Switzerland and Italy for further inspiration.

Serving dinner with live entertainment Monday through Saturday from 6 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Seating up to 200, Jillian's is available for private parties, weddings and corporate events.  

LG's owner Leon Greenberg became even more of a desert celebrity when he was honored by the City of Palm Springs with his own star embedded on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars! LG's wife and co-owner Gail Greenberg stood proudly by as the mayor proclaimed July 1, 2004 LG Day. And by the way, July 1 also happens to be this restaurateur's birthday. With four booming, nationally known, award-winning steakhouses, no one could doubt that LG's restaurants are a permanent part of the landscape.

Award-winning has a special meaning with these steakhouses: on Tom Horan's Top Ten List for still another year and recognized by the Zagat Survey as "The best steak in town." That's true of all three desert LG's, as well as the recently opened San Diego addition to these exceptional restaurants. And Gail Greenberg is emphatic about the level of service that goes beyond diners' expectations.

To begin your dining experience, you might want to order LG's very unique Caesar salad, prepared at the table and made entirely from scratch. And for everything that comes out of the kitchen, Leon and Gail look to the outstanding talents of Executive Chef Maura (Moe) Tello. All of LG's steaks are 100% USDA Prime, hand-trimmed, fresh, never frozen, and aged to perfection.

Dinner is served nightly from 5:30 p.m. in Palm Desert, San Diego, and La Quinta, and from 5 p.m. in Palm Springs. Reservations are suggested.  

With Southern California restaurants now open in Palm Desert, Burbank,Beverly Hills, downtown Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Diego, plus Morton's international restaurants in Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong, Morton's, The Steakhouse has taken its place as a leader of fine dining steakhouses. Since opening in the Windy City in 1978, Morton's has maintained a reputation for serving abundant portions of USDA Prime-aged beef and the freshest fish and seafood available.

Besides its trademark hand-cut steaks, broiled at an intense 1,000 degrees, Morton's offers lamb, and chicken entrées accented by warm onion bread, crisp green salads, hand-picked vegetables, and delicious desserts.

From the Béarnaise sauce to fresh whipped cream, everything is made from scratch. Guests will enjoy an awardwinning wine list, the finest liquors and liqueurs, and a wide variety of martinis while dining indoors or on the temperaturecontrolled patio.

Open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended  

For as long as visitors have come to the desert, steakhouses have reigned supreme: from Sinatra's martini-era to today's carb-conscious dieter, steaks have been not just a staple food item, but also a luxury best enjoyed with friends. Enter, then, Picanha, the steakhouse on El Paseo that has introduced locals and tourists alike to the joys of churrascaria, the traditional Brazilian form of rotisserie grilling and tableside carving.

Decorated in soft earth tones and featuring an expansive bar that seems primed for the kind of après golf scene the desert is famous for, Picanha is an inviting destination for those wanting a romantic night out or for those wishing to indulge in the ultimate food celebration.

And while this may all sound like the dreams of protein-diet impresario Dr. Atkins, you'll have to cheat a little if you wish to indulge in the garlic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and sumptuous salad bar that accompany the symphony of meat - or if you leave room for their trademark desserts (including a very substantial flan) made fresh on-site.

Like its original location in the heart of Burbank's Media City, Picanha has turned casual-upscale dining into an evening destination, spinning an American classic - meat and potatoes -  

Though Ristorante Mamma Gina is praised for its sunny, easy elegance, it's the excellent and authentic cuisine - the pride of three generations of Pierattonis - that has earned it the most accolades.

Owner Piero Pierattoni was born and raised in Florence, where he co-owned Ristorante Mamma Gina with his father, Italo, a talented and well-known chef. Nineteen years ago, with Italo's favorite Tuscan and Florentine recipes in hand, Piero opened this Italian outpost in the desert. It was the first restaurant on El Paseo and a beacon in the night to those who appreciate good Italian food. A Newport Beach ristorante followed and son, Jake, now 26, will be joining him in the business which is expanding to include a line of Pomodoro sauces sold at Bristol Farms and Ralph's markets. These Sauces Tradizionale are all natural with no preservatives or sugar added. In addition to Pomodoro, you may choose Primavera, Fiorentina or Marinara for a taste of Mamma Gina in your own home.

The Pierattoni family mantra: "Use only the best and don't change authentic recipes." Everything, including the bread, all desserts, and most of the pastas, are made on the premises. Only olive oil is used for cooking. True to the region, there is a bounty of simple but skillfully prepared grilled fishes, poultry, and meats and several risotto dishes, one featuring lobster. And where else could you get Tuscan specialties such as an appetizer of Empolese, freshly marinated and thinly sliced artichoke hearts served with shaved Parmesan cheese, or Pappa al Pomodoro, a tomato bread soup?

The outstanding food and attentive service, combined with an extensive wine list, has earned Mamma Gina numerous California Writers Association and Epicurean Rendezvous awards and praise in the 2004 Zagat Survey as a "breath of Tuscany." For a real breath, ask about Mamma Gina's Bed & Breakfast offered in a 14th-century villa in the hills of Florence.  

He's a mythical character who wears very cool clothes, lives a great life and travels to the tropics. But there's nothing fictional about the food at Tommy's restaurant! Located at the dazzling Gardens on El Paseo, upstairs from Tommy Bahama's Retail Emporium, this colonial plantation-style tropical café is strictly the real deal.

Fruity drinks come complete with umbrellas and go perfectly with appetizers like Dr. Mambo's Plantain Combo - crispy chips with black bean salsa, Crab Callaway, Treasure Quay Ahi and Tommy's Coconut Shrimp.

Tommy Bahama's own Bungalow Brew is the perfect accompaniment for sandwiches and burgers. The Cooper Island Crab and Onion Bisque should not be missed; nor should the South Seas Spinach Salad, a zesty blend of warm smoked bacon, roasted shallot balsamic vinaigrette, crumbled Gorgonzola, and crispy fried onions. But don't fill up before the entrées arrive. Tommy does things right. Fresh Blackened Mahi Mahi, Tommy's Papa Pasta, Wha'Ja Maican Pork, Salmon St. Croix, Sanibel Stuffed Chicken, and Trinidad Tuna take diners on a tasty tour of some of their host's favorite haunts.

Created by apparel executives Tony Margolis, Lucio Dalla Gasperina, and Bob Emfield, Tommy Bahama apparel and accessories can be found in upscale specialty and department stores as well as resorts, spas, and pro shops. Restaurant/retail compounds are also located in Sarasota and Naples, Florida; Palm Desert and Newport Beach, California; Maui, Hawaii; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Houston, Texas.

Designed to appeal to those who believe that life should be an "island state of mind," the relaxed attitude is catching. Maybe it's the live island music. Or swaying palms along El Paseo. Maybe it's the T.B. shirts all the wait staff wear. Whatever it is, it works.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, Tommy Bahama's is a tropical breeze. Relax. Life couldn't be better. Reservations are suggested.