cuisine, culture and community - Les Dames d'Escoffier International

I love springtime! Spring has sprung early in Atlanta
and the azaleas are in full bloom along with the
delicious spring crops. I look forward to the bounty of
this year’s harvest using the new techniques I’ve learned
and tools acquired over the winter to savor the most of
every tender young carrot, radish, pea, beet and turnip.
Much like making the most of the harvest, I’d like
to encourage you to think about making the most
of what LDEI has to offer. For me, joining Les
Dames was one of the most important and most
rewarding decisions I have made in relation to joining
a philanthropic organization. I have forged incredible
friendships, have been on the forefront of exciting
opportunities while working with other members in
various business capacities, and I’m still learning a
wealth of information about food, beverage, business
and life from my sister Dames.
As I have cast a wider net through involvement on
the International Board, I see even more potential
for growth to our organization. We have over 1500
members in 28 chapters in the United States, Canada
and the UK, and Secretary Mary Ellen Griffin,
is exploring the addition of several potential new
chapters. Before you visit a city where there is a Les
Dames chapter, be sure to pull out your directory
first and plan to support other Dames by dining in
their restaurants, hiring them for catering services
or connecting with them on another professional or
personal level. I can guarantee that your time will be
well spent because as an invitational organization, we
know our members are successful, influential and at
the top of their field.
It is a true pleasure to work with the International
Board and I can tell you firsthand that each member
puts forth extraordinary effort to uphold the mission
and vision of Les Dames d’ Escoffier. The three
Chapter Board Liaisons connect chapter presidents
with each other and the board. Third Vice President
Crickett Karson has brought in a new Social Media
Manager to keep us at the top of our game in the
world of social connections. The Secretary has done an
excellent job compiling a much requested membership
guideline as well as reviewing and revamping our new
chapter formation handbook in hopes that onboarding
new chapters will be a little less daunting.
I am so appreciative of the late Eda Saccone
(Boston), founder of the first all-women's society, Les
Dames des Amis d'Escoffier for giving Carol Brock
the germ of an idea to start a new organization. And,
so appreciative of Carol Brock who had the vision to
assemble fifty pioneering women to become the first
members of Les Dames d’Escoffier in 1976. As we
continue to grow in numbers and influence, there is no
limit to what Les Dames d’ Escoffier can achieve.
This summer, we look forward to honoring the 100th
birthday of our first Grande Dame Julia Child and
bestowing the prestigious M.F.K. Fisher Award on
a talented writer at our conference in St. Louis this
fall. I encourage you to connect with your fellow
Dames at every opportunity. Surrounding yourself
with intelligent, successful, passionate people is always
beneficial and inspiring. But when combining those
qualities along with a shared philanthropic mission
and vision and a true sisterhood interested in your
success, it’s magical.
Mary S. Moore
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
May 14 Chicago 30th Anniversary Celebration August 26 San Antonio’s Anniversary Celebration for Julia Child’s 100th Birthday
SPRING Quarterly 2012 3