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 2,800 members in 40 chapters, with the newest chapter being chartered in Italy in 2022.

We remain dedicated in our support of women through scholarships, educational programs, externships and networking.

The Atlanta chapter (LDEI-Atlanta), founded in 1996, has 150 members who are professional chefs, restaurateurs and caterers, farmers, food retailers, event planners, cookbook authors, food journalists, wine industry professionals, food publicists, culinary educators and hospitality executives.

The Atlanta Dames are comprised of the top women leaders in the culinary, beverage and hospitality arts. Through fundraising events, like Afternoon in the Country, our Chapter remains dedicated in our support of women through scholarships, educational programs, externships and networking.

Visit LDEIATLANTA.org for more information.