Les Dames d'Escoffier

Les Dames d'Escoffier is a society of professional women involved in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries.

History

Les Dames d'Escoffier is a leadership culinary organization composed of women who have not only achieved success in their profession, but who contribute significantly to their communities. Since its incorporation 25 years ago, Les Dames d'Escoffier has followed its mission to elevate the profession through mentoring members and helping worthy students succeed in their culinary careers. I am very proud to be a member.

— Julia Child, 2001

Les Dames d'Escoffier was founded in New York City in 1976, by food writer Carol Brock,[1] in honor of Auguste Escoffier, whom Les Dames' mission statement credits with having "single-handedly brought the culinary art into the modern era". Escoffier "elevated the role of cooks from that of laborers to artists"; when he died, he "left the world a new art, that of dining". With expansion to other cities, Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI) was formed in 1985 to operate as an umbrella organization. Membership is by invitation only and exclusive to women who have distinguished themselves in the respective fields with which Les Dames is concerned. The female society is a response to the all male Les Amis d'Escoffier society.

Events

Les Dames organizes various food-related activities throughout the year, the majority of which are dinners; new members are inducted during the "annual gala dinners". Les Dames' major philanthropic activity consists of promoting the education and advancement of women in careers related to food industries. The society provides scholarships for women desiring to become professionals or to advance their skills in the fields of food, wine, other beverages, nutrition, the arts of the table and related disciplines.[2]

References
  1. Leland, John (2020-08-12). "Carol Brock, Who Pushed at a 'Pyrex Ceiling,' Dies at 96". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-08-18.
  2. "NYU's Fales Library Guide to the Les Dames d'Escoffier New York Archive". Archived from the original on 2009-11-30. Retrieved 2009-05-07.

Official website - International

Official website - New York chapter

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