It’s the Cadillac of San Diego food events, where top chefs from many of our region’s best restaurants come out en masse every May to raise money for Mama’s Kitchen.

Now in its 13th year, the upcoming culinary extravaganza, titled “The Coolest Event of the Year”, will be held at 6:30 p.m., May 7, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine. Last year, the event generated $137,000 for the organization, which provides meal delivery service to those affected with HIV/AIDS.

According to Edith Glassey, director of development and communications for Mama’s Kitchen, the 2004 fundraiser will feature 64 restaurants and attract an estimated 800 people. Organizers this year hope to raise at least $150,000.

Among the first-time participants are Hash House a Go Go, Chive, Kensington Grill and Sycuan Resort and Casino, which is also coming on board as one of the many sponsors.

“It will be bigger than ever. And oh my goodness…the variety of food will please all palates,” Glassey exclaimed.

The chefs, she added, don’t reveal their offerings until a week prior to the event. But in keeping with tradition, they cook up the kind of haute cuisine that one might easily find on the pages of Gourmet Magazine. Attendees last year were treated to everything from whole-cured salmon and sea urchin flan to colorful ceviches, filet mignon and fountains spewing Hawaiian Gold chocolate – all served from food stations spread throughout the hotel’s pavilion and pool area.

The food samples are generously meted out from grills, kettles and elaborate displays that leave no stomach empty. Additionally, Absolut vodka will host a martini bar, and several wineries will be on site to offer samples of their latest vintages.

Five “cash” bars will be included in the expanded layout this year, as well as an elevated stage hovering over one of them that will feature live music by the Latin jazz group, Pablo Mandez.

Glassey pointed out that the event continues to grow each year, adding “we couldn’t do it without the generosity of the restaurants, which spend about $3,000 to $5,000 apiece in food and staffing.”

A silent auction and “opportunity drawings” will be conducted for prizes that include a $1,000 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus, roundtrip airfare for two to Miami, restaurant dinners and hotel stays.

This year’s event, presented by SAIC, is co-sponsored by Union Bank of California, Neiman Marcus, Hyatt La Jolla, the Gay & Lesbian Times, KIFM Smooth Jazz and Sycuan.

Tickets are $100 per person. For reservations, call (619) 233-6262, or visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the website.