Les Dames d'Escoffier International

We are a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. Our membership is highly diversified and reflects the fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality. We support our communities through grants, scholarships and mentorship.

M.F.K. Fisher Prize Winners

The M.F.K. Fisher Prize recognizes excellence in any format of media that broadens the understanding of food and culture. The award is named in honor of M.F.K. Fisher, whose trailblazing food writing and commentary encouraged deeper thought about the cultural significance of foodways around the world. Three winners are named each year with cash prizes totaling $6,000. Our 2023 winners are (from left to right) Kiki Aranita (first prize), Rachel Levin (second prize) and Cynthia Greenlee (third prize).

2023 Woman of Purpose

The Woman of Purpose Award celebrates a visionary Dame who has made strides towards improving our food system, incorporating the important and complex realms of global sustainability, food justice and public health.

LDEI and YETI are pleased to introduce the 2023 Woman of Purpose, Nina Mukerjee Furstenau. From the Peace Corps to Fulbright Scholar and Director of Food Systems Communication at the University of Missouri, her insatiable desire to improve global food systems has taken her around the world and encouraged us all to examine how we think about food.

Chapters

Les Dames d’Escoffier International started with one chapter in New York City in 1976, founded by Dame Carol Brock. Today, LDEI is composed of 44 chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Italy, totaling over 2,600 women leaders in the fields of food, beverage and hospitality.

The Quarterly

In this online publication, the Quarterly magazine informs, engages and celebrates the members of LDEI.

 

 

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Mentoring Network

Meet a group of exceptional Dames who are passionate about inspiring other women to thrive and succeed through mentorship.

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Partners

Join us as a Partner and connect with our influential membership of women in food, beverage and hospitality.

 

 

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LDEI's Origin Story

LDEI’s Founder, Carol Brock, was a true pioneer. From her humble beginnings to the icon she became and the organization that thrives today, see it all in this video tribute.

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News

Advertising Possibilities in LDEI’s Newly Expanded “Feast”

We are pleased to share that we will be including advertising space in our upcoming publication, the feast. This will provide an opportunity for members to promote your businesses such as cooking classes, culinary tours, wine tours, restaurants, catering, businesses,...

Celebrating Women’s History Month with LDEI Table Talks

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor the contributions of our chapters and the stories they have to tell.  LDEI’s third annual Table Talks is a month of events produced by our chapters with ticket sales going directly to our chapters. Events begin...

Accepting Applications for 2024 LDEI Legacy Awards

Les Dames d’Escoffier International Offers Women in Food, Beverage, and Hospitality Career-Transforming Experiences New York, NY – January 17, 2024 – Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) and The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and Culinary Arts are pleased...