“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
HISTORY OF LDEI
Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) proudly carries the name of Auguste Escoffier (1846 – 1935), the most innovative chef in history. Known as “The Chef of Kings and The King of Chefs,” Escoffier’s philosophy, accomplishments and philanthropic deeds still serve as both a model and inspiration to culinary professionals today.
A group of epicures, many of them former pupils of Auguste Escoffier, gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in 1936 to form an all-male organization of dedicated gastronomes, Les Amis d'Escoffier Society of New York, Inc. Membership of the Society comprises chefs de cuisine, hotel executives, restaurateurs and business executives.
In the early ‘70s, Carol Brock, then the Sunday food editor at the New York Daily News, set about creating the first organization for professional culinary women. She was inspired by Boston’s Les Dames des Amis d’Escoffier, a dining and philanthropic society of women formed in 1959 in response to the all-male Les Amis d’Escoffier.
In 1973, Carol received a charter from the New York Les Amis d’Escoffier Society to form a “ladies' chapter." She wanted to raise the image and presence of women in the food, wine and hospitality industries, which were still largely dominated by men.
Three years later, the women's chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier New York was formed, comprising 50 culinary luminaries in the food and wine professions. By 1985, five chapters had taken shape — New York in 1976; Washington, D.C. in 1981; Chicago in 1982; Dallas and Philadelphia 1984. The presidents of each chapter met in New York to form LDEI. Boston’s Les Dames des Amis d’Escoffier joined LDEI in 1991 and became its Boston chapter.
As of September 2018, LDEI has 42 chapters in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, France and Mexico, with over 2,600 women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality fields. From restaurants to journalism, winemaking to marketing, manufacturing to agriculture, all women’s voices are invited to the LDEI table.
Kentucky Chapter
Les Dames Kentucky (LDKY) is the Kentucky Chapter of LDE, and as a state chapter, our goal is to inspire, advance and support women in our industry to achieve excellence in leadership roles throughout Kentucky. From restaurants & hotels to journalism, wine & spirits to marketing, tourism & event planning to education, farming & education to sales, all women’s voices are invited to the LDKY table guided by the LDEI principles of Philanthropy, Diversity, Leadership, Professional Development & Excellence, and Innovation.
Our chapter members hail from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and contribute to our local communities as Chefs, Restaurateurs, Distillers, Sommeliers, Food & Hospitality Writers, Cookbook Authors, Farmers, Educators, Members of the Tourism & Hospitality Industry, Public Relations Experts, Corporate & Nonprofit Executives, and Small Business Entrepreneurs, consequently providing a wealth of knowledge, skill & support to Kentucky women in food, beverage and hospitality.