“Eat, Drink & Give Back”

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An appropriate mantra for Les Dames d’Escoffier. 260x290lesdames

 

The Chicago Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International is dedicated to two of my favorite things: food and philanthropy. It promotes women in the culinary arts and fosters appreciation of food and wine through the sponsorship of educational and charitable activities and programs.

Founded in 1982, Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago has reached 102 members and is celebrating its 30-year anniversary through a weekend of food, wine and philanthropy. It has provided approximately $300,000 in culinary scholarships to women and donated about $200,000 to community organizations and projects which reflect their mission, such as the Escoffier Museum, the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Green Table Initiatives in Chicago public schools.

September 7-9 has now been deemed Chicago’s Culinary Insiders Weekend and will feature events such as cooking classes, wine seminars, beer tastings and auctions to raise funds for Les Dames d’Escoffier’s culinary scholarship program and other philanthropic goals. The weekend will commence at 7 p.m. with “A Salute to Julia & Joan” to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Grand Dame Julia Child and the launch of Joan Reardon’s latest book on Julia Child, “Dame of Distinction.” This kick-off party will offer a spread of French cheese, wine and dessert as well as an auction. Be sure to check out the pre-event classes offered on Friday as well, featuring French Pastry lessons with World Pastry Champion En-Ming Hsu and French Artisan Bread classes with Pierre Zimmerman, World Baking Champion.

Ten different events and activities are available on Saturday for participants to choose from, including “behind-the-scenes” looks at venues such as Eli’s Cheesecake bakery, Vosges Chocolates and Frontera Foods. Saturday also brings a pop-up cocktail party, “Drink, Dash & Dine,” at a surprise venue.

Sunday wraps up the weekend with a series of self-guided Chicago food tours, including a cupcake crawl and a dim sum dash.

Be sure to grab a ticket so you can raise a glass and make a toast to the philanthropy of Les Dames d’Escoffier and their weekend of culinary activities! Bon Appetit!

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