Menu
Log in


Log in

News of SF Dames

<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   5   ...   Next >  Last >> 
  • Monday, October 14, 2024 2:06 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


    San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International Awards

    Briana James 

    the 2024 Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship 




    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 14, 2024—The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is pleased to announce Briana James as the 2024 recipient of the Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship. This  philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, fine beverage, and hospitalityawards this fellowship annually to a promising Bay Area woman or nonbinary food journalist who is not a Les Dames d’Escoffier member and who has worked fewer than 10 years, full time, in the field of food journalism. The $5,000 award is presented as an acknowledgement for good works and as encouragement to continue writing and to remain in the field of journalism. 

    James comes from a long line of storytellers: musicians, preachers, visual artists, singers, academics, and orators. Her writing is grounded by ideas of humanity, interrogation reflection and authenticity. Her work has appeared in Eater, Edible East Bay, The New York Times, and more. In addition to writing, she is also an illustrator with a bold and colorful style. Read more at https://brijames.com

    “This fellowship was created in 2010 to honor Karola, a revered journalist who also paved the way for women writers throughout her career,” said Pam Mazzola, Immediate Past President of LDEI-SF. “Our membership is proud to recognize Briana and all past and future recipients of the fellowship as journalists whose work furthers the legacy that Karola began. Since 2010, thanks to our members’ generosity, and outside donations, the award has grown from $1,000 to $5,000.”

    The review committee, which includes Dames Janet Fletcher and Margo True, as well as several past recipients, evaluated five impressive nominees. The selection process is by confidential nominations, and nominees are anonymous except to the committee and reviewers. Not even the journalists know they have been nominated. Since there is no application process, evaluations are based on published works. The goal of the monetary award is to make a difference in the recipient’s career by providing support, acknowledgment, and incentive.

    Our recipients include print, electronic, and broadcast journalists, and their works cover food, wine & spirits, agriculture, policy, restaurant criticism, social justice, foodways, and food culture.

    Confidential nominations for the fellowship are received throughout the year, reviewed in the summer, and awarded in the fall. For more information about the fellowship, its nomination process, and past recipients, please visit lesdamessf.org/Fellowship.


    # # #


    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

    LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who support excellence in the food, beverage and hospitality fields To this end, 2,600 members in 42 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @lesdamesintl, and LinkedIn. More information on The San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf. 



    Media Contacts

    Fellowship Queries

    Roberta Klugman

    Co-Chair Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship

    510-928-1446

    rklugman@robertaklugman.com


    Jennifer Newens

    Co-Chair Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship

    415-845-5798

    jennifernewens@sbcglobal.net


    Chapter Queries

    Olga Katsnelson

    Chapter Communications Chair

    olga@postcardpr.com

    917-698-3192



  • Tuesday, March 12, 2024 1:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

     

    New Member Applications for

    San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International LDEI-SF Now Open 

    Esteemed philanthropic organization empowering women leaders in the food, wine, and hospitality sectors now accepting applications for membership for 2024-2025 induction

     

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 12, 2024The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is pleased to announce that it is now welcoming nominations and applications for new members through May 31, 2024. The San Francisco chapter—comprised of women shaping the local food and wine industries—has served 35 years this year, as beacon of leadership, education, and philanthropy in the Bay Area and Northern California, and looks forward to continuing its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community with the 2024-2025 cohort. 

    All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply via the online form. Prospective members, whether nominated by existing LDEI-SF chapter members or self-nominating, are invited to apply directly to the organization. The introduction of self-nomination in 2021 underscores the chapter's dedication to equity and diversity in its membership selection process.

    “The San Francisco Chapter remains steadfast in its mission to support women from diverse backgrounds in leadership roles across various facets of the hospitality industry, and each year our offering grows,” remarked Frankie Whitman, First Vice President and Membership Committee Chair of LDEI-SF. “We also award grants and scholarships to promote business development and offer important networking and mentorship opportunities. Our chapter eagerly anticipates welcoming a new cohort that will continue to drive our organization forward.”

    LDEI-SF welcomes applications from women and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds who are eager to contribute their expertise and passion to the chapter. Active members are encouraged to attend a minimum of two member events per year and to participate in the organization as volunteers, committee members, or chairs, host an event or serve on the Board of Directors. The LDEI-SF Board currently meets 12 times per year and sessions are open to all committee members and chairs.

    To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

    Applicants are required to obtain a letter of recommendation from a current or retired Dame of the San Francisco Chapter. In cases where the candidate does not have a connection to a Dame and requires an introduction, the chapter will appoint a member to provide a recommendation.

    For eligibility criteria and application details, visit the application page on the LDEI-SF website. Completed applications will be accepted now through May 31, 2024. The Membership Committee recommendation and the vote of the Board determine membership acceptance.

    For any questions related to the application process, please contact LDEI-SF Membership Chair Frankie Whitman at frankiewhitman@gmail.com.

    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

    LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage, and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @lesdamesintl and LinkedIn.

     


    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International – San Francisco Chapter

    The San Francisco chapter of LDEI, founded in 1989, celebrates the 35th year since its founding.  The chapter provides programs and philanthropy to support its members and nurture the next generation of culinary leaders. More information on the San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf and on Facebook.

    Media Contacts:

    Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET

    Communications Committee Chair, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

    kcharles@charlescomm.com

    415-730-0064

     

    Katie Canfield, DipWSET

    Communications Committee, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

    katie@odonnell-lane.com

    530-720-1138

     


  • Friday, December 01, 2023 2:43 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International Selects Two Bay Area Women to Receive Business and Mentorship Grants

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, December 2023—The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is thrilled to announce the grant winners of their inaugural 2023 Female Entrepreneurship Grant and Mentorship program: Stephanie de la Cruz of De La Creamery in Oakland and Wendy Lieu of Socola Chocolatier in San Francisco.

    The mission of the LDEI-SF Female Entrepreneur Grant and Mentorship program is to support SF Bay Area female-owned businesses in the food, culinary and hospitality industry with cash awards of $5,000 to help them expand and enhance their business. This is an exciting opportunity to help advance the grant winner’s businesses through financial support and ongoing mentorship.

    The grant recipients will receive benefit from a full year of mentoring meetings amongst fellow accomplished business owners, entrepreneurs, and members of the LDEI-SF Business Grant Committee: Mary Gassen, Emily Luchetti, Maryam Ahmed, Linda Carucci, Sue Conley, Duskie Estes, Janet Griggs, Marsha McBride, and Dominica Rice-Cisneros. In addition, they will receive access to relationship-building and networking as part of LDEI-SF's extensive and thriving membership.

    "The LDEI Grant committee was honored to receive more than 20 applications in our inaugural year from very qualified woman-owned food businesses in the Bay Area,” said co-chair of LDEI-SF’s Business Grant Committee Mary Gassen, who created the concept. “The financial award is important to both businesses, but we feel that the year-long mentorship these businesses will receive from our chapter will be invaluable.”

    The Grant Recipients

    Stephanie De La Cruz worked in events and hospitality for many years, but upon losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, started making ice cream. Stephanie decided to take on the challenge of making horchata ice cream; a prominent flavor in many taquerias and Mexican homes. Once the recipe was mastered, she started developing a line of ice cream flavors dedicated to her Mexican heritage and culture. Shortly after, De La Creamery was born. In 2023, she took out her first business loan, and looks forward to eventually expanding her business into a brick-and-mortar location.

    "I am looking forward to learning and being connected to the talented creators of the Bay Area, many of which are household names for our community,” stated De La Cruz. “We will be able to pave the steps to following in their footsteps.”

    Wendy Lieu has been making handmade chocolates and confections that reflect the diverse flavors of her Vietnamese heritage for over 22 years. A self-taught Chocolatier, Wendy also attended classes at the Culinary Institute of America and evening classes at Pastry School at Tante Marie Cooking School in San Francisco, and took the plunge into full business ownership through a Business Planning Course at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. She also holds a degree in Managerial Economics from UC Davis.

    Timing of the award is particularly advantageous for Lieu, who will celebrate the store’s 10-year anniversary next February. “I am so excited to be able to refresh the store with new signage and updates to make it an even more inviting space for our customers. I also look forward to the mentorship to grow my business.”

    This year’s awards were made possible due to the generous support of Mijenta Tequila and the fundraising efforts of the San Francisco chapter of LDEI-SF, as well as the commitment of mentoring time and talent of the chapter’s Dames. A gathering to celebrate the award winners will be held in the Bay Area in early 2024.

     

     

    # # #

    About Mijenta Tequila

    Mijenta, the award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila from the highlands of Jalisco, achieves its rich and complex flavor profile, designed by renowned Maestra Tequilera Ana Maria Romero, by using only the best ingredients and a meticulous distillation process. Created from the outset around a holistic approach to sustainability and support for local communities, Mijenta is the first tequila producer to earn B Corp certification. For more information visit: mijenta-tequila.com


    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

    LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @lesdamesintl, LinkedIn and Twitter @lesdamesintl. More information on The San Francisco chapter of LDEI, which will celebrate 35 years in 2024, can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf.

     

    Media Contacts

    Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET

    Communications Committee Chair, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

    kcharles@charlescomm.com

    415-730-0064

     

    Katie Canfield, DipWSET

    Communications Committee, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

    katie@odonnell-lane.com

    530-720-1138


  • Monday, October 09, 2023 11:02 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

     

    San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International Awards Teresa Cotsirilos the 2023 Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship

     

     

     

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 5, 2023—The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is pleased to announce Teresa Cotsirilos as the 2023 recipient of the Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship. This  philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, fine beverage, and hospitality awards this fellowship annually to a promising Bay Area woman or nonbinary food journalist who is not a Les Dames d’Escoffier member and who has worked fewer than 10 years, full time, in the field of food journalism. The $5,000 award is presented as an acknowledgement for good works and as encouragement to continue writing and to remain in the field of journalism. Cotsirilos is a staff reporter at the Food and Environment Reporting Network (FERN) where she covers labor rights and climate equity in both audio and print.

    Read more at teresamariacotsirilos.com.

    “This fellowship was created in 2010 to honor Karola, a revered journalist who also paved the way for women writers throughout her career,” said Pam Mazzola, President of LDEI-SF. “Our membership is proud to recognize Teresa and all past and future recipients of the fellowship as journalists whose work furthers the legacy that Karola began. Since 2010, thanks to our members’ generosity, and outside donations, the award has grown from $1,000 to $5,000.”

    The review committee, which includes Dames Janet Fletcher and Margo True, as well as several past recipients, evaluated nine impressive nominees. The selection process is by confidential nominations, and nominees are anonymous except to the committee and reviewers. Not even the journalists know they have been nominated. Since there is no application process, evaluations are based on published works. The goal of the monetary award is to make a difference in the recipient’s career by providing support, acknowledgment, and incentive.

    Our recipients include print, electronic and broadcast journalists and their works cover food, wine & spirits, agriculture, policy, restaurant criticism, social justice, foodways and food culture.

    Confidential nominations for the fellowship are received throughout the year, reviewed in the summer, and awarded in the fall. For more information about the fellowship, its nomination process, and past recipients, please visit lesdamessf.org/Fellowship.



     

    # # #

     

    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

    LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who support excellence in the food, beverage and hospitality fields To this end, 2,600 members in 42 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @lesdamesintl, Linked-in and Twitter @lesdamesintl. More information on The San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf.


    Media Contacts

     

    Fellowship Queries

    Roberta Klugman

    Co-Chair Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship

    510-928-1446
    rklugman@robertaklugman.com

    Jennifer Newens
    Co-Chair Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship

    415-845-5798
    jennifernewens@sbcglobal.net

    Chapter queries

    Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET
    Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco, Communications Committee Chair 

    415-730-0064


  • Wednesday, September 20, 2023 8:48 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    We are so excited to have officially inducted our new 2023-2024 members to the San Francisco Les Dames Chapter! Please read more about these incredible women below. 


    LDEI SF New Members 2023

  • Wednesday, September 06, 2023 10:44 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

       

       

      San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier Announces New Entrepreneur Grant and Mentorship Program

      Philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, fine beverage, and hospitality will foster success of two female business owners through financial support and mentorship

      SAN FRANCISCO, CA, September 6, 2023—The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is now accepting applications for its first Female Entrepreneurship Grant and Mentorship Program, designed to support and nurture aspiring local, female-owned businesses in the food, culinary and hospitality industry.

      The inaugural 2023 program will present two grants to SF Bay Area-based business owners identifying as women who are not current members of Les Dames d’Escoffier. This is an exciting opportunity to help advance successful candidates’ businesses through cash awards and ongoing mentorship, as well provide access for relationship building and networking with LDEI-SF’s extensive and thriving membership.

      “We are thrilled to launch this important program to support female-owned businesses in our local Bay Area communities,” says Mary Gassen, co-chair of LDEI-SF’s Business Grant Committee. “We know too well the obstacles that females face when establishing and growing a business, especially in the culinary and hospitality worlds. We look forward to helping them expand and enhance their business with cash awards and mentorship opportunities with our highly esteemed committee members."

      The two 2023 grant recipients will receive a cash award in the amount of $5,000 and one year of mentoring meetings. Grant mentors are esteemed members of the LDEI-SF Business Grant Committee who are themselves successful business owners and entrepreneurs: Mary Gassen (Co-Chair), Emily Luchetti (Co-Chair), Maryam Ahmed, Linda Carucci, Sue Conley, Duskie Estes, Janet Griggs, Marsha McBride, and Dominica Rice-Cisneros.

      The application requires that specific criteria are met to ensure that the grants support local, women-owned businesses:  

      • The business must have been in operation since January 1, 2022;
      • The business must be female-owned and located in, or primarily serving, the San Francisco Bay Area;
      • The business must have less than $1M in annual revenue;
      • Applicants must provide a profit and loss statement for 2022 and another for 2023 year to date.

      Applicants must also submit a 500-word essay or five-minute video stating who they are, what their business provides, and how they plan to use the grant to further their business goals.

      Five selected finalists will participate in a virtual interview with the LDEI-SF Business Grant Committee, who will then make their final selection of the two grant recipients.

      For a complete list of requirements and to apply, please review the application page on the LDEI-SF website.

      For questions about the application process and criteria, contact LDEI-SF Business Grant Committee Co-Chair Mary Gassen with any maryg@noevalleybakery.com.

       

      ###

      About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

      LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage, and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @lesdamesintl, and LinkedIn.

       

      About Les Dames d’Escoffier International – San Francisco Chapter

      In 1989, nineteen powerhouse women in the culinary world founded the San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International to bring the mission of LDEI to Northern California. The membership includes restaurateurs, professional chefs, bakers, caterers, cookbook authors, food journalists, farmers, food retailers, event planners, winemakers, wine industry professionals, food publicists, culinary educators, and hospitality executives. More information on the San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf and Facebook.

       

      Media Contacts:

      Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET

      Communications Committee Chair, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

      kcharles@charlescomm.com

      415-730-0064

       

      Katie Canfield, DipWSET

      Communications Committee, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

      katie@odonnell-lane.com

      530-720-1138

  • Tuesday, August 08, 2023 6:36 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier Welcomes 2023-2024 Cohort

    The international organization of women leaders for excellence in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries inducts a record 18 new members to the SF chapter

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA,  August 8, 2023—The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) will induct 18 members from the 2023-2024 nomination period, bringing total membership for the chapter to nearly 150. The inductees come from a broad range of professions including chefs, winemakers, wine writers, educators, publicists, and photographers, adding depth and breadth to the organization’s demographics and strengthening its foundation of leadership, education, and philanthropy for future generations of women in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries.

    Prospective members are nominated by existing LDEI-SF chapter members or through a self-nomination process, whereby candidates may apply directly to the organization. To be considered, members must have at least five years of professional experience in their field and be committed to and involved in community service.

    “We continue to see positive impact from the self-nomination option since its introduction last year; we are thrilled to see our thriving membership diversify and expand with this more equitable process,” said Pamela Mazzola, President of LDEI-SF. “A warm welcome to our new Dames—individuals who already made significant contributions to their respective communities and industries and will bring tremendous talent and insights to our organization.”

    Dames of the LDEI-SF uphold the Les Dames d’Escoffier’s mission, vision, and fundamental values through sharing knowledge, cultivating and celebrating professional diversity within the membership, and providing leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropic events for the community at large.

    The 18 new members, who will be inducted at a private chapter event in the Bay Area in September 2023, include:

    • Adahlia Cole, Food and Beverage Photographer and Food Writer,  Adahlia Cole Photography
    • Alison Negrin, Professional Chef and Chef Consultant, Chefs for Seniors
    • Andrea Lawson Gray, Founder, Private Chefs of the SF Bay Area and Executive Chef, Tres Señoritas Gourmet
    • Carissa Crader, Executive Chef/Culinary Operations, Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa
    • Christine Farren, Executive Director, Foodwise Community
    • Elizabeth Binder, Executive Chef, Hand-Crafted Catering
    • Emily Hansen, Chef Emily Hansen, Private Chef
    • Iris Rowlee, Beverage Director, Octavia and Frances Restaurants
    • Jodi Liano, Founder, San Francisco Cooking School
    • Juliana Colangelo, Vice President, Colangelo & Partners
    • Karen MacNeil, President, Karen MacNeil & Company, Author of The Wine Bible
    • Kristen Loken, Photographer and Author, Food People (Are the Best People)
    • Laurie Mackenzie, Chef Instructor, City College of San Francisco
    • Lee Ann Frahm Izzo, Director of Recruitment and Training, Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group
    • Maria Hunt, Freelance Journalist, Author, Senior Copywriter, MH Media
    • Meghan Zobeck, Winemaker and Winemaker/Owner, Burgess Cellars and M Zobeck Wines
    • Melissa Smith, Founder, Enotrias and Former Pastry Chef, Wine Spectator Restaurant Greystone Restaurant 
    • Theodora Lee, Owner/Vintner of Theopolis Vineyards

    These inductees join a distinguished membership of women leaders that reflects the multifaceted fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality.

    For questions regarding membership, please get in touch with LDEI-SF Membership Chair Frankie Whitman at frankiewhitman@gmail.com.

     

    ###

     

    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

    LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage, and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on FacebookInstagramTwitter @lesdamesintl, and LinkedIn.

    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International – San Francisco Chapter

    In 1989, nineteen powerhouse women in the culinary world founded the San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International to bring the mission of LDEI to Northern California. The membership includes restaurateurs, professional chefs, bakers, caterers, cookbook authors, food journalists, farmers, food retailers, event planners, winemakers, wine industry professionals, food publicists, culinary educators, and hospitality executives. More information on the San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf and Facebook.

     

    MEDIA CONTACTS:

    Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET

    Communications Committee Chair, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

    kcharles@charlescomm.com

    415-730-0064

    Katie Canfield, DipWSET

    Communications Committee, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

    katie@odonnell-lane.com

    530-720-1138

  • Tuesday, April 18, 2023 7:50 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For immediate release

     


    Dine, Drink and Discover with Minnesota Les Dames First Online Culinary Silent Auction 

    MINNEAPOLIS--The Minnesota chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier’s’ (LDEI) popular culinary silent auction which promises unique dining and drink experiences you won’t find anywhere but here, is going online May 1-13. Funds raised by the auction support local women in the culinary fields through academic scholarships and professional grants, as well as high school youth through Urban Roots, based in St. Paul.

    Past Dame It! events have included an inperson sampling of gourmet food and drinks, along with a silent auction, but as the dine-out world has shifted, Dame It! has adapted to provide this robust online experience everyone can participate in.

    What’s compelling about this auction is that the majority of items focus on personal experiences provided by Les Dames members as opposed to items you can find elsewhere in stores or the Internet. Among the items to bid on are:

    - Dine out with a member of the Star Tribune’s Taste staff at one of its review features;

    - A private cooking class for 12 by award-winning cookbook author Amalia Moreno-Damgaard based on her recent travels to Oaxaca, Mexico, and the Guatemalan Mayan highlands;

    - Chowgirls Catering founders Heidi Andermack and Amy Brown will guide guests in the Art of the Board, including both the ingredients and the architecture of an artisan grazing board;

    -  A 4-hour baking class for two by Kim Ode, a baking instructor who led the Star Tribune’s Baking Central feature for many years,at  Kim’s home in Edina;

    - A private, customizable wine tasting for 6 led by wine expert Allison Sheardy at Quincy Street Kitchens in Northeast Minneapolis.

    In addition, there are numerous wine experiences with sommeliers, meals prepared in your home by professional chefs, a takeaway lifestyle box from Paris Dining Club, as well as picnic ingredients and cooking accouterments -- all in time for Mother’s Day gifts or the start of summer entertaining.

    The auction will go live at 8 a.m.on May 1 and can be accessed at https://us.givergy.com/lesdamesmn/  The last bid will be taken prior to 6 p.m. on May 13, and winners will be notified how to receive their items.


    About the Les Dames organization

    Minnesota Les Dames d’ Escoffier reflects the wide range of women food professionals in our area including restaurant chefs and owners, food writers, cookbook authors, caterers, food and nutrition consultants, editors, corporate food professionals, wine specialists, food stylists, and marketers. Auction items celebrate the expertise of chapter members and the connections they share within the Twin Cities community.

    The chapter, formed in 1996, is an affiliate chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, composed of more than 2,400 members in 44 chapters in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Mexico and Italy. The group is named after the French chef Auguste Escoffier, one of the most innovative chefs in history.

    The website for the local organization is www.lesdamesmn.org.

     

    For more information:
    Contact:

    Nancy Weingartner Monroe

    612-840-6659

    nancywmonroe@gmail.com

     


  • Wednesday, March 29, 2023 2:46 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

     

    The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier Now Accepting New Member Nominations and Applications for 2023-2024 Induction

     

    The international organization of women leaders for excellence in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality fields provides leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy within their communities.

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, April 3, 2023—The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) is now accepting new membership applications through May 31, 2023, with the aim of furthering its mission to support and nurture the next generation of women leaders in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries.

    Prospective members may be nominated by existing LDEI-SF chapter members or may self-nominate by applying directly to the organization. Self-nomination was introduced as on option for the new member applications in order to foster a more equitable nomination process and to further the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

    “The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier strives to propel and support women and diversity in positions of leadership across the many facets of the hospitality industry,” said Frankie Whitman, First Vice President, and Membership Committee Chair, Les Dames d'Escoffier, SF Chapter. “Last year, LDEI-SF inducted ten new members to bring our chapter membership to over 130 strong of accomplished leaders in food, beverage, wine, hospitality, publishing, media, public relations, and agriculture. We are excited to welcome in a new cohort that will continue to propel our organization forward.”

    LDEI-SF is especially interested in applications from young, diverse candidates eager to actively contribute their time and talent to grow within the chapter. Active membership includes attending at least two member events per year and participating in the organization as a volunteer, committee member, chair, host of an event, or member of the Board of Directors.

    To be considered, members must have at least five years of professional experience as a leader in the food and wine industries and have a commitment to and involvement in community service. Members must also agree to support Les Dames d’Escoffier’s vision, basic values, and philanthropic missions of Scholarship, Business Development for women, and Fellowship.

    To apply, applicants must secure a letter of recommendation from a current Dame of the San Francisco Chapter. If the self-nominating applicant who meets the membership criteria does not know a current member, one will be appointed to write a letter of recommendation and later act as their chapter liaison for the first year. For a complete list of requirements and to apply, please review the application page on the LDEI-SF website.

     

    Completed applications will be accepted through May 31, 2023. The Membership Committee recommendation and the vote of the Board determine membership acceptance.

    For questions regarding nominations or applications, please contact LDEI-SF Membership Chair Frankie Whitman at frankiewhitman@gmail.com

    ###

     

    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

     

    LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage, and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @lesdamesintl and LinkedIn.

     

    About Les Dames d’Escoffier International – San Francisco Chapter

     

    The San Francisco chapter of LDEI, founded in 1989, provides programs and philanthropy to support its members and nurture the next generation of culinary leaders. More information on the San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf and on Facebook.

     

     

    Media Contacts:

    Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET

    Communications Committee Chair, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

    kcharles@charlescomm.com

    415-730-0064

     

    Katie Canfield, DipWSET

    Communications Committee, Les Dames d'Escoffier San Francisco Chapter

    katie@odonnell-lane.com

    530-720-1138

     

     


  • Wednesday, March 01, 2023 7:45 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    We're excited to share Dames Celia Sack and Tanya Holland in February 2023's issue of Food and Wine! 

    Food and Wine Feb 2023

<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   5   ...   Next >  Last >> 


Les Dames d' Escoffier Int'l-San Francisco
lesdamessf@gmail.com


Les Dames d’Escoffier International, San Francisco Chapter, is a 501 (c)(3) (EIN 20-5341764) Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software