Welcome!
Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is a worldwide society of women dedicated to creating a culture in the community that fosters excellence and promotes the achievement of women in culinary professions through educational and charitable activities.
LDEI was founded in New York in 1976 by Carol Brock, a food reporter for the New York Daily News. At the time there were few opportunities for women in the culinary arts and there were no prominent women chefs or sommeliers. Brock saw a need to create an organization of professional leading women in the industry who would serve as role models and mentors to others. From its inception, the organization has been a membership-by-invitation, philanthropic organization that has provided education, networking opportunities and scholarship support.
Overall, the organization has grown to more than 2,300 members in 44 chapters, with the newest chapter, Tuscan Italian, being chartered in 2022.
We remain dedicated in our support of women through scholarships, educational programs, externships and networking.
For more information about the Les Dames d'Escoffier International organization, visit www.ldei.org
Atlanta Dames
The chapter was founded in 1996, and since that time has grown to become a highly-regarded asset to members, a frontrunner in chapter accomplishment within the organization, and a philanthropic leader in our community.
Our membership of more than 120 women includes professional chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, farmers, food retailers, event planners, cookbook authors, food journalists and historians, winemakers and wine industry professionals, food publicists, culinary educators and hospitality executives.
We encourage you to visit the other areas of our website to learn more about us!
Our Mission:
LDEI is an invitational organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education, scholarship and philanthropy.
Our members:
Share knowledge
Support fellow members, and
Provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropic events for the larger community
The specific purposes of the Chapter are:
To promote the understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of food, wine and other beverages, nutrition, the arts of the table and other fields as they relate to these disciplines.
To promote the highest standards in the preparation, supply, and service of food, wine and other beverages.
To work cooperatively with members by providing advice and assistance in all matters pertaining to the chosen disciplines.
To promote the education and advancement of and to offer advice and assistance to women in careers in the chosen disciplines.
To disseminate such information and advice as advances the purposes of the Chapter.
Want to Know More about LDEI-Atlanta?
Watch this short video!
Interested in Becoming a Member?
Les Dames d’Escoffier International members are women in the food, beverage and hospitality industries who have at least five years of professional experience in their field and who are interested in sharing their expertise and learning from and networking with like-minded women while supporting causes both globally and in their own communities.
Prospective members are asked to complete an online application and submit one letter of recommendation from an active member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International-Atlanta Chapter. The application period opens each April.
More information and link to the LDEI Atlanta Chapter application can be found on our Become a Member page.