I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been inducted as a Dame in the Boston Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier—what an absolute honor! It truly feels like I’ve found my people: a warm, welcoming community bound together by genuine fellowship, kindness, and an unwavering passion for exceptional food, wine, and the art of hospitality. Joining an organization with such a storied legacy and a deep commitment to uplifting women leaders in the culinary world is nothing short of special.
The Boston Chapter has a proud history dating back to 1959, when it was founded as Les Dames des Amis d’Escoffier—the pioneering women’s counterpart to the all-male Les Amis d’Escoffier Society (established in New York in 1936 to celebrate the legendary French chef Auguste Escoffier). In a time when women were largely sidelined from elite gastronomic circles, this trailblazing group carved out a vibrant space to honor fine dining, culinary mastery, and the timeless Escoffier principles of elegance, precision, and generosity.
From the start, the chapter became renowned for its lavish multi-course dinners and fundraising events that supported food and wine charities. Over the years, it evolved and, in 1991, formally joined Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), which had been established in 1985 to bring together accomplished women across the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. Today, the Boston Chapter proudly stands as the only all-female society worldwide dedicated to preserving and advancing the Escoffier tradition—most notably through its signature Annual Escoffier Dinner, the sole chapter globally to host this classic, formal multi-course celebration each year. It’s truly our rite of spring and a breathtaking showcase of gastronomic artistry.
Far beyond a dining club, the Boston Chapter is a dynamic professional network that unites women from all corners of the hospitality world—chefs, restaurateurs, writers, producers, sommeliers, and beyond—at every stage of their careers. United by a love for fine cuisine and wine, we build meaningful connections through networking, mentorship, education, and advocacy to champion and elevate women in the industry. Philanthropy has always been central: over the decades, we’ve raised substantial funds for scholarships, backed community food initiatives, and collaborated with partners tackling food insecurity and culinary education.
The pinnacle of the year was the 64th Annual Escoffier Dinner on March 15, 2026, held at the elegant, historic Dedham Country & Polo Club. Executive Chef Jeremy DiStefano and his talented team—supported by the tireless Dinner Committee—delivered an unforgettable eight-course masterpiece bursting with fresh spring flavors and timeless sophistication. They beautifully honored Escoffier’s traditions while weaving in modern touches and inclusive pairings, including thoughtful non-alcoholic options so everyone could fully savor the experience.
The evening flowed flawlessly: a delightful cocktail hour with a stunning raw bar, heartfelt welcomes and speeches (including the well-deserved Dame of Distinction honor), the exciting induction of new Dames like me, and then that spectacular dinner with perfectly matched wines and zero-proof delights. Surrounded by so many inspiring, powerhouse women in hospitality, I felt pure joy. I’ve set a goal for 2026 to expand my community even further—and this incredible group is the perfect, energizing launchpad.
At its heart, the Boston Chapter radiates fellowship, kindness, and a profound love for exceptional cuisine—the very qualities that made my induction feel like coming home to “my people.” It’s a living legacy of bold, trailblazing women that’s thriving stronger than ever. Here’s to many more magical evenings ahead!
