the feast - Les Dames d'Escoffier - Vol. 2 Iss. 3

Chapter Programs

By Dame Nichole Bendele (San Antonio)

ATLANTA

by Hope Webb

Day With the Dames was a powerful half-day event designed to inspire, educate, and connect young women with leaders in the culinary and hospitality industry.

Created by Dame Simone Byron and expertly organized by Dame Dene Lynn, the event featured a dynamic keynote, leadership panel, and career expo.

Students were introduced to LDEI scholarships and received valuable guidance on confidence, career building, and embracing their unique paths. Simone energized the morning with her sentiments: “Your network is your net worth.”

LDEI Atlanta President Wendy Bohannon encouraged students to pursue their dreams through available scholarships.

Keynote speaker Alicia Guigley, GM of Pappadeaux, shared with heartfelt honesty, “even if you have secrets, you can find people you feel safe with.”

The Leadership Panel—moderated by Dame Sarah Pierre —included inspiring words from Dames Hope Webb, Natalie Mickelson, Kriis Alyse Wilson, and Nzali Scales. Dame Shirley Hughes provided delicious meals, and Dr. Dee graciously hosted at Life University. It was truly a Day With the Dames to remember!

2025 Day With the Dames hosted by the Atlanta Chapter.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

by JoAnne Lauzer

BC Dames were well represented at the Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF), one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world. In tasting rooms, satellite events and seminars, Dames presented wines, supported their clients, volunteered and attended as media. We are proud to have so many women in our chapter that are leaders in the wine industry.

Dame Ruth Grierson hosted an InReach potluck at her home in February. With an impressive array of tasty canapes and a wide variety of local beverages, that were brought by our members, it offered a wonderful opportunity for meaningful conversations and lots of laughs. Everyone was encouraged to bring an item for the raffle with funds going to our fund that helps send worthy Dames to Conference.

(Top) Dame Sandrine Ramoisy led the students at Vancouver Community College for VIWF. (Center L) Dames Leeann Froese and Christa-Lee McWatters with Yvonne Turgeon, publisher of Orchard & Vine Magazine. (Center R) Dames Jennifer English and Cassandra Anderton enjoy wine pairings. (Bottom) Dames enjoy the InReach potluck.

HAWAII

by Hayley Matson Mathes

Our chapter was inspired by guest speaker Chef Charleen Badman, FnB Restaurant, Scottsdale, AZ. Chef Badman highlighted her culinary journey and the Arizona nonprofit she created, The Blue Watermelon Project, with the mission of increasing children’s access to fresh food.

The April 21 evening gathering was hosted by James Beard award-winning Chef/Dame Robynne Maii and husband Chuck Bussler at their new Honolulu venture Mille Fete. They are joined in the business by renowned pastry chef Katherine Yang. Dames sampled a refined selection of wine, sweets and savories at the bakery by day and wine bar by night.

Chef Badman, James Beard winner and former LDEI Phoenix President, was in Hawaii to present a Hawaii Culinary Education Foundation workshop at the University of Hawaii Maui. The class was coordinated by HCEF Executive Director Hayley Matson Mathes with support from the LDEI Hawaii Chapter.

Hawaii Dames welcome Chef Charleen Badman at Mille Fete.

LONDON

by Kate Howell

As a group of women who’ve made food, drink, and hospitality our business, you’d think we’d take a break now and then from obsessing over where to eat next. But nope, we’re always at it. From street food to fine dining, we love eating out just as much as cooking, and we’re constantly swapping tips about where we’ve been and where we should go next. We thought we’d share our favourite spots with you. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you’ve lived here forever, here are some of our go-to places. Move over Michelin Guide, watch out Time Out—this is Where Dames Eat, brought to you by LDEI London!

Whether they’re used for a beautifully curated dinner party, handy one-pot family meal or impressive lunchbox, cookbooks are a staple of most people’s homes. They inspire creativity in the everyday and enable us to eat food we may never have encountered before. But how is a cookbook put together? Dame Hermione Ireland chaired an expert online panel to share this knowledge. Thirty people attended the latest LDE London Live Online session with panelists and publishers Dame Anne Dolamore, Dame Stephanie Jackson and Jenny Hammerton, for advice and insight on getting published and what it takes to become a published cookbook author.

The new guide to London's food scene, Where Dames Eat!

LOS ANGELES/ ORANGE COUNTY

by Anita Lau

The LA/OC Dames were gathered for a special presentation of UMMA: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom, hosted by Melissa's Produce. This exquisite cookbook, a heartfelt collaboration between Sarah Ahn and her mother, Nam Soon Ahn, weaves together cherished family recipes and intimate stories, offering a glimpse into the warmth and tradition of Korean home cooking.

We were treated to a sumptuous feast of authentic Korean dishes, prepared by the talented chefs at Melissa’s Produce. Rich, soulful, and deeply rooted in tradition dishes transported everyone to the heart of a Korean kitchen, where love is served in every bite.

Among those savoring this unforgettable experience were Dames Nancy Eisman, Anita Lau, Tina Voso, Na Young Lee, Veronica Reyes, Miki Hackney, and Christina Xenos pictured with Sarah and her mother Nam Soon.

MINNESOTA

by Lauren Voight

The culinary event at Central Mix on Wednesday, March 26, was an extraordinary celebration of Indigenous heritage. Led by Dana Thompson and Chef Dawn Drouillard, the evening featured a multi-course meal inspired by their Dakota and Anishinaabe roots, highlighting pre-colonial ingredients free from wheat, dairy, and refined sugars.

The meal began with a flavorful squash soup with Lakota popcorn and spruce tip oil, followed by wild rice manoomin cakes topped with duck egg aioli and dried blueberries. A blue corn tostada with braised duck, poblano crema, and crispy sage leaves offered a delightful contrast.

The main course, served familystyle, included grilled turkey with dandelion pesto and vibrant mashed yams, evoking a reimagined Thanksgiving. This was complemented by cedar tea with Anishinaabe maple syrup, reminiscent of a walk through the forest.

For dessert, “decolonized” brownies made with blueberries, hemp, chia seeds, almond butter, and maple syrup, topped with hazelnut cream, provided a sweet ending to the meal.

Dana and Dawn shared their backgrounds and the importance of preserving and sharing their culture through food. To learn more about their projects, visit The Modern Indigenous.

A large group of Dames attended the March meeting at Central Mix to learn about The Modern Indigenous project. Photos courtesy Liz Nerud

NEW ORLEANS

by Colleen Rush

It was a breakfast of champions! So many Dames and supporters came out for our third annual Leading from the Heart Awards breakfast, to help us honor two local women who have made a positive, lasting impact in hospitality, sustainability and/or food justice. This year's honorees—Carla Briggs, founder of Viola's Heritage Breads, and Mina Seck, Community Food Director of SproutNOLA—were awarded $2,500 grants to continue their work. The awards breakfast was held at Alma Cafe in Mid-City on March 25.

turned out to support Carla Briggs and Mina Seck, the 2025 Leading from the Heart Award.

SAN ANTONIO

by Elise Russ

We had a lovely board meeting at Mi Familia at the Rim this month. We enjoyed an assortment of pastries from their panaderia, or bakery. Special thanks to Dame Emily Simpson for organizing and Dame Becki Perez-Clark for hosting us.

A committee is hard at work editing our Policies & Procedures to make sure they are relevant to our organization. We are excited to hear from Dame Allison Balfour, Vice-President of Membership, as we have received several new member applicants who will be presented to our membership at the mandatory May meeting.

SAN FRANCISCO

by Jodie Chase

What do some of the best female chefs in the world have to say about their roles in a male-dominated food world? The CIA at Copia invited San Francisco and Sonoma Dames to a panel discussion of the 2016 documentary The Goddesses of Food as part of its Flavor of Film Series on March 15, in honor of Women’s History Month. San Francisco Chapter President Kara Nielsen moderated the panel featuring Dames Suzette Gresham, Kim Alter, and Sonoma Chapter President Liza Hinman as they discussed their reactions to the film, which explored the presence, and lack thereof, of women chefs in restaurant kitchens globally. The chefs shared personal stories of the obstacles they overcame during their careers. They also discussed the importance of strong networks like Les Dames d’Escoffier and their family of restaurant colleagues.

The chefs joined SF Dame Deborah Mullin, Executive Chef of Copia Restaurants, in creating the menu for a memorable fourcourse meal that followed the film program. More than 100 guests enjoyed the meal paired with wines from Markham Vineyards (women-owned, women winemakers) in Copia’s Chuck Williams museum gallery.

Dames Suzette Gresham, Kim Alter, Kara Nielsen & Liza Hinman participated in a lively panel discussion of The Goddesses of Food, held at the CIA at Copia.

SEATTLE

by Christina Lehman

On March 24, the Seattle chapter hosted a nourishing evening of yoga, Ayurveda, and delicious food at Hotel Ändra’s Hot Stove Society. This was a wellness-focused event in partnership with renowned yoga instructor and author, Ronly Blau. Ronly shared her inspiring journey from chronic illness to vibrant health, introducing members and guests to the powerful connection between yoga, Ayurveda, and mindful nourishment. She emphasized the value of seasonal, balanced eating, meditation, and the healing power of food.

The culinary experience was elevated by Dame Bridget Charters and Drew Martin, who prepared dishes from Ronly’s book The Mind-Body Cleanse. Highlights included a quinoa, chickpea, and tahini salad; arugula with lemon vinaigrette; and spiced roasted squash with a hearty ragu of beef, kale, tomato, sage, fennel, and garlic. And Dame Leslie Mackie ended the evening on a sweet note with a baked apple and raspberry dessert, topped with pecan crumble and paired with a luscious sauce anglaise.

With vibrant conversation, inspiring insights, and beautiful food, the evening offered nourishment for both body and soul. Attendees left feeling full, both in spirit and stomach, with renewed perspectives on selfcare and mindful living.

Les Dames d'Escoffier Seattle members and friends gathering to discuss yoga, Ayurveda, and delicious food at Hotel Ändra’s Hot Stove Society.

ST. LOUIS

by Darla Crask

On February 23, the St. Louis Chapter hosted our first Foodie Trivia Fundraiser. Tables were sponsored by 14 local female chefs and proprietors, allowing us to highlight the amazing creativity of women in the St. Louis restaurant scene. Guests tested their knowledge about food, beverages, food science and history while enjoying a signature dish from their table sponsor. As a special giveaway, a $50 gift card from the table sponsor was hidden under a chair at each table. It was a night of fun, competition & surprises!

The sold-out event was held at Dame Kelly Spencer’s beautiful event space, The Dogwood in the Grove. Tables were decorated to highlight the atmosphere of each sponsoring restaurant. Dame Dana Eliason crafted a complimentary cocktail for each guest, Dame Claire Conroy composed the slide show for the trivia and associated images, Dame Alyse Scaglione made the dessert, and Dame Liz Engelsmann created the trivia program for the evening.

The event netted over $6,400.00 towards our fundraising goals! Table sponsors included James-Beard nominated Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box and Tara Gallina of Vicia. It was a great night for the Dames and our food community!

A sold out Foodie Trivia fundraiser earned more than $6,400 for the St. Louis chapter.

TUSCAN ITALIAN

by Silvia Mariani

We have launched Vivi Firenze 2025, a five-day Florence experience scheduled for September 24- 28. A trip to experience the magic of Florence with a unique immersive journey that allows you to live like a local. From iconic arts and architectures to its worldclass cuisine and vibrant artisan culture, Florence invites you to discover its treasures authentically. Explore the city's most famous landmarks, wander through charming streets, and indulge in the Flavors of Tuscany. Visit local markets, meet passionate artisans, and savour the warmth of the city’s rich traditions. This trip is more than just sightseeing, it’s a chance to feel the pulse of Florence and truly connect with its rich heritage and welcoming atmosphere.

Vivi Firenze is open to Dames and their friends. Reservations are open to a maximum of 20 people.

Tuscan Italian Chapter meeting at Vinitaly 2025, Verona. The President Silvia Mariani, together with the other Dames Camilla Fondelli, Patrizia Vigolo, and Livia Alyson Careaga met at Vinitaly in Verona on April 7 to explore the endless possibilities of the wine world and strategize new methods to build up stronger connections.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

by Carole Sugarman

Our symposium, Bringing it to the Table, held on March 8 at the Kellogg Conference Hotel, was a sensational day of energy and enthusiasm. The 120 attendees explored a host of current issues including no and low-alcohol beverages, gut health, bread baking and the demands of the modern workplace. We also honored one of our founders and benefactors—the late Goody Solomon—with a plenary session, Women Lead in the DMV.

Our Green Tables Committee, in partnership with Teaism, DC Ecowomen and Slow Food DC, hosted a Green Kitchen Swap in February. At the soldout gathering, attendees brought unwanted kitchen supplies to give away and swap with others to reduce waste and overconsumption, build community, and support neighbors in need.

Scenes from the Bringing it to the Table symposium.