Summer's here and the slowdown is palpable. But the flurry of culinary and charity events that started in the spring hasn't sputtered out yet. In fact, one of the longest-running ones takes place this Thursday night.

Flavors of Phoenix makes its 18th annual go-round on May 21 at the Westin Kierland Resort, with cooking from some of the Valley's best-known chefs. You can attend the 6 p.m. reception for $75, or throw down $350 for the full dinner at 7 p.m., which features a designated chef for each table of 12. Guests will get to interact with the chefs, who'll be preparing five or more courses at their cooking stations.

Proceeds will benefit the Desert Southwest Division of the American Liver Foundation.

Get a look at the long list of participants:  

Chef Brian Archibald, Ristorante Tuscany at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, www.desertridgeresort.com/dining/dining.asp

Chef Akira Back, Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant and Bar at Bellagio, www.bellagio.com/restaurants/yellowtail.aspx

Chef Todd Berry - Co-Chair, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, www.kierlandresort.com

Chef Matt Carter, Zinc Bistro, www.zincbistroaz.com

Chef Paul Carter, The Phoenician, www.thephoenician.com

Chef Michael DeMaria - Co-Chair, Heirloom An American Restaurant, www.mculinary.com/heirloom

Chef Anthony DeMuro, Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, www.differentpointeofview.com

Chef Peter DeRuvo, Sassi Restaurant, www.sassi.biz

Chef Rick Dupere, Ritz Carlton, www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/phoenix/dining/venues/bistro24/default.html

Chef Robert Graham, Arizona Grand Resort, http://www.arizonagrandresort.com/phoenix-fine-dining.php

Chef Sean Griffin, BOURBON STEAK at the Fairmont Scottsdale, www.fairmont.com/scottsdale/guestservices/restaurants/BOURBONSTEAK.html

Chef Christopher Gross - Co-Chair, Christopher's Restaurant and Crush Lounge, www.christophersaz.com

Chef Lee Hillson, T. Cook's, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com/tcooks.htm

Chef Michael Hoobler, Desert Highlands Scottsdale, www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com

Chef Eric Howson, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, www.scottsdale.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp

Chef Troy Knapp, Compass Restaurant, www.phoenix.hyatt.com

Chef Craig Leeser, Wrigley Mansion, www.wrigleymansionclub.com

Chef Donald Lemperle, Asia de Cuba, www.mondrianscottsdale.com

Chef Beau MacMillan, elements at Sanctuary, www.elementsrestaurant.com

Chef Roberto Madrid, Deseo, www.kierlandresort.com/pages/deseo_main/index.html

Chef Aaron May, Sol y Sombra, www.solysombraaz.com

Chef Mel Mecinas, Talavera at the Four Seasons Scottsdale, www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale/vacations/dining.html

Chef Justin Pfeilsticker, Trader Vic's, www.hotelvalleyho.com

Chef James Porter, Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar, www.tapino.com

Chef Michael Rusconi, Lon's at the Hermosa Inn, www.lons.com

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Café, www.barriocafe.com

Chef James Siao, Taggia Restaurant at the FireSky Resort and Spa, www.taggiascottsdale.com

Chef Scott Tompkins, SKYE Fine Dining and Live Entertainment, www.skye-restaurant.com

Chef Marcellino Verzino, Marcellino Ristorante, www.5staritalian.com

Charles Wiley, Cafe ZuZu at the Hotel Valley Ho, www.hotelvalleyho.com

• Chow Bella