There is a reason that the international organization Les Dames d’Escoffier is one of the most prestigious organizations for women in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries to be a part of: the women included are some of the very best in their field. With a mission of education, advocacy and philanthropy, the invitational organization includes members such as Lidia Bastianich, Alexandra Guarnaschelli, Mary Sue Milliken, Kathryn Hall, Carolyn Wente and hundreds of other influential women who have taken food, wine and hospitality to a new level of inspired creativity and artistic influence.
Last night the Dallas Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier did their part to show guests why this organization is so special, and something each and every one of them love as joy and camaraderie filled the ball room at Union Station downtown for their annual raiser grazer raising funds to help women further their culinary education.
The Dallas Chapter, started in 1984 and led by Grande Dame Caroline Rose Hunt, paid special tribute to Dame Julia Child this year with a special cake raffle in honor of what would have been her 100th birthday. Beautifully decorated, multi-tier cakes from Dame Dunia Borga of La Duni, Dame Katie Natalie of The Four Seasons, Dame Shari Carlson of Dessert Dreams and more raffled off stunning cakes from their pastry kitchens.
Dallas Dames brought their top game as well on savory selections, bringing tasty bites like Burgundy Pasture Beef tartar from Dame Sharon Hage, a perfect goat cheese tart with arugula and fresh tomatoes from Dame Jill Bates of Fearing’s, succulent Burgundy Pasture Pork hand-rolled tacos from Dame Janice Provost of Parigi, house-made ravioli from Dame Chena Civello of Civello’s Raviolismo, each paired with wines from around the world, including selections from regional Dames Susan Auler of Fall Creek Vineyards and Gina Puente of La Buena Vida Vineyard and Bodega Winery.
The Dallas Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier has raised over $1.2 million dollars that has benefited their established scholarship and endowment programs in six colleges and universities in Texas.
