Dieters beware.

The Marco Island Chef's Showcase can and will turn even the most determined dieter into a foodie. Those lucky enough to attend the showcase Nov. 6 at the Hideaway Beach Club were treated to a tasty selection of hors d'oeuvres created by local chefs.

This year, eight restaurants from the Marco Island Chapter of the Florida Restaurant Association participated in the showcase: Arturo's Ristorante Italiano, Café de Marco, House of Mozart, Island Café, Joey's Pizza & Pasta House, Sushi Blues & Steaks, Tara Steak & Lobster House, and Verdi's American Bistro.

The event was hosted by the restaurant association and the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets for the event sold for $125, but upon arrival at the club, guests were treated to complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Attire ranged from tropical-print casual to black eveningwear.

Friends and co-workers caught up as they sampled foods ranging from eggplant rollatini (Arturo's Ristorante Italiano) to baby lamb chops (Tara Steak & Lobster House). Guests were able to meet and visit the chefs. All of the chefs were eager to talk about their food and restaurants, and they took the time to answer everyone's questions.

Some guests stole a moment outside to enjoy the warm air and cool, salty breeze that teased its way through the balcony overlooking the Gulf.

After snacking on hors d'oeuvres, guests slowly trickled into the ballroom, where they were treated to a four-course meal prepared by the Hideaway Beach Club. Judy Gewirtz, president of the Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the event.

"Marco has the best restaurants anywhere in the world," she said to the packed ballroom. The audience responded with thundering applause.

"Our restaurants are so fabulous and we wanted to showcase them. The Chef's Showcase allows us to highlight them," she added.

Gary Michaels and Fran Quintana from Tara Steak & Lobster House entertained the diners while many people took to the dance floor.

Immediately following the meal was a dessert prepared by Black Truffle Chocolates. There also was a live auction with items ranging from dinners to advertising opportunities.

The chefs expressed their satisfaction with the event.

"We have a lot of fun," said Alfred Schinagl, owner of House of Mozart. "It's always nice to have an event where you can get together and do something like this."

Restaurant patrons also made a point to talk with their favorite chefs. Gary and Helen Duncan caught up with Denis Meurgue, owner and chef of Island Café. They said it was the best French restaurant on the island.

Helen Duncan credits Meurgue for getting her 14-year-old son, Jack, to eat vegetables. She said that before Jack tried Meurgue's salad dressing, he would not eat vegetables. After he sampled it, he was hooked, she said.

Duncan said Meurgue would send them home with bottles of his own homemade dressing.

Guy Verdi, owner of Verdi's American Bistro, said he enjoys the camaraderie between chefs. Last year, his bistro and Sushi Blues & Steaks hosted a wine dinner together.

"Last year we did an 'East meets West' event, and we're planning another event this year," he said.

"It gives us a chance to do something out of the ordinary — it breaks up the monotony."