Les Dames d'Escoffier - Chicago Chapter

07/21/2026

Dames and friends, we are THRILLED to be share the news that this book talk with Carla Hall and Natalie Moore will benefit our chapter. Early bird pricing of $60 runs for two weeks, through Monday, August 3rd, after which the ticket increases to $70.

All tickets include a copy of the book, CARLA BAKES.

Get your tickets today. We know this one will sell out! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1994070972959?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/02/2026

Dames and friends, we have a VERY special book talk coming up with the excellent Domenica Marchetti (are you getting her newsletter? it's so good!) this month: a special morning of cookies and coffee to celebrate Domenica's new book, Italian Cookies.

Coffee service provided by Wolf at The Door Bookstore, a culinary cookbook popup in Chicago. Tickets include food and drink, plus a signed copy of the book. Sunday, July 19th from 10:30a-12:30p. Tickets here:

Get tickets online for Italian Cookies Book Talk & Cookie Tasting here.

06/23/2026

Opportunity knocks: the Woman's Athletic Club of Chicago is seeking a pastry chef. Contact Dame Nina Winston to inquire!

06/19/2026

Chicago Great Bakes Challenge photo gallery is now LIVE on LesDamesChicago.org! Check out the magnificent work from our own Dame Laura Scherb. Congratulations again to all the contestants, and huge thanks to judges and sponsors! https://lesdameschicago.org/chicago-great-bakes-challenge/

Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago would like to thank all participants, attendees, and judges for making our inaugural Chicago Great Bakes Challenge a success! Ten exceptional women from local cu…

06/18/2026

Dames and friends, did you know that our very own Charla Draper founded National Soul Food month, which is now in its 25th year? And programming through the rest of June is surely to be of interest for our chapter:

June 25th is "Beyond the Backyard Burger with Chef Dominique Leach" (info here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-backyard-burger-soulful-summer-menu-event-chef-dominique-leach-tickets-1991744984866?aff=ebdssbdestsearch) and June 27th is "Preserving the Family Table: Archiving Recipes, Food Stories & Culinary Traditions with Culinary Consultant, Karen Wilcher" (tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/preserving-the-family-table-your-recipes-food-stories-family-traditions-tickets-1991574055612?aff=oddtdtcreator).

Sound off in the comments if you plan to attend either or both!

06/15/2026

A week later and we're still buzzing about the incredible success that the Chicago Great Bakes Challenge brought to our chapter, and to the talented winners who represented excellent culinary programs from around Chicagoland.

The event would not have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors and dedicated judges. We would like to extend our enormous thanks to the Title Sponsor, Plugrà European Style Butter, and to event sponsor The National Honey Board, with thanks to generous product sponsors Burlap & Barrel, Breakthru Beverage Group, Barry Callebaut Group, Caputo Flour, Corto Olive, Goddess and the Baker, Jefferson Tap and Grill, and Sunstarr Apparel.

Last but certainly not least, we thank judges Chef Gale Gand, Justin Lerias, and Laura Herman.

06/06/2026

Dames and friends, we're excited to share an opportunity coming up for the James Beard Award weekend: FREE educational panels hosted by Kendall College, where Chapter member Kristine Holtz serves on the board.

Kendall College has been one of our longest-standing scholarship partners, and these programs look excellent. Let us know if you plan to attend!

05/12/2026

Q: What to expect as a spectator at the Great Chicago Bakes Challenge?

A: An afternoon full of fabulous food and drink!

Read all the detail about this fundraiser and pastry extravaganza on Sunday, June 7th here:

Q: What does an afternoon at the Great Chicago Bakes Challenge include?A: Fabulous food and drink for a great cause! Our sponsors have provided a selection of coffee and sparkling and rosé wines to enjoy pairing with all ten pastry submissions from our contestants. Sip and snack as you watch our ...

05/01/2026

Congratulations to Chicago Dame Anupy Singla of Indian As Apple Pie on the launch of our new cooking show on PBS. Her first episode debuts tomorrow at 4pm on WTTW - Chicago PBS.

Anupy Singla stars in the PBS show “Indian As Apple Pie,” debuting Saturday. The eight-episode series was filmed in the former CLTV reporter’s Lincoln Park kitchen.

04/25/2026

Join Les Dames d'Escoffier Chicago for the inaugural Chicago Great Bakes Challenge—an exclusive showcase where ten exceptional women from local culinary schools compete for career-boosting prizes and experiences with industry leaders.

Spectators will experience the competition and judging LIVE, with complimentary coffee and wine service for the afternoon—and, of course, the contestants' sweet and savory creations. Read on for more detail about the impressive roster of judges and prizes and to buy your ticket!

https://mailchi.mp/lesdameschicago/chicago-dames-september-events-9949617?fbclid=IwY2xjawRaB01leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvVUtMQWM0SkZRMnBhMW1Hc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsSrlyA_rEqVVP4-xjOWGfb2_y5svvxcV0i6GWzZ19UyZ_M_JlqXYnhoibIu_aem_SOQGnB3IRdcINOUBYLMDTg

Some of Chicago's most esteemed baking and pastry professionals will judge the competition. Chicago Dames—and local legends—Gale Gand and Yudith Bustos Taleno are joined by Chef Justin Lerias of acclaimed pastry hotspot, Del Sur Bakery, in support of advancing the next generation of culinary e...