The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (GDMCVB), Des Moines Business Record and dsm Magazine invite residents and visitors to attend Des Moines’ fourth annual Restaurant Week this Friday, August 19 through Sunday, August 28.

An estimated $125,000 was spent in Greater Des Moines’ restaurants during Restaurant Week last year. Collected receipts showed the average amount spent was $241.19 and restaurants saw an estimated 30 percent increase in business during Restaurant Week compared to a regular week.

“Restaurant Week continues to fill area eateries and be a very popular and fun time to dine out,” said GDMCVB President and CEO Greg Edwards. “Last year we heard many success stories from patrons and restaurant owners. We are proud to again give Greater Des Moines a time to celebrate and experience the fabulous culinary arts. There’s no doubt Restaurant Week is a hit in Greater Des Moines.”

Diners can eat at 36 participating restaurants for just $25 for two lunches or one three-course dinner. Patrons are invited to visit the participating restaurants, save at least four receipts and enter to win a trip for two to California’s Sonoma County. Receipts must be mailed or dropped off to dsm Magazine, 100 4th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 by Noon on Monday, August 29. No purchase necessary. Visit www.dsmmagazine.com for the official rules.

Participating restaurants include: 801 Chophouse, ALBA Restaurant, Americana Restaurant and Lounge, Baratta's, Baru 66, Bistro Montage, BOS, Café Di Scala, Centro, Cosi Cucina Italian Grill, Court Avenue Brewing Company, Django, Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Gateway Market, Gino’s West Glen, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse - Des Moines, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse - West Des Moines, Kirkwood Lounge, Lucca, Luna, Maxie’s, Mezzodi’s, Mojo's on 86th, Open Sesame, Proof Restaurant, Raccoon River Brewing Company, Rock River Grill and Tavern, Sbrocco Wine Bar and Wine Shop, Splash Seafood Bar and Grill, Tally’s Restaurant and Bar, Trostel’s Greenbriar Restaurant, Tursi's Latin King Restaurant, Waterfront Seafood Market – Ankeny, Waterfront Seafood Market - West Des Moines and Zingaro.

Menus are posted online at www.www.catchdesmoines.com and www.dsmmagazine.com. Facebook users can find more information by searching “Des Moines Restaurant Week.” Facebook users can also upload photos and feedback on the event on the GDMCVB Fan Page, www.facebook.com/SeeDesMoines. Twitter followers can keep up-to-date with event updates by following @DMRestaurantWk or @SeeDesMoines.

Sponsors include Doll Distributing, Hockenbergs Food Service, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Pearl Vodka and Sysco Food Services.