Women Culinary Professionals Come Together with "Dames Across Texas" - Austin, Texas

Austin Dames Poised to Host International Conference of Women Culinary Professionals with a Spirited “Dames Across Texas” Shindig – Tickets On Sale Today to Support Local Scholarships

Local Chapter Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary & National Food Day

The Austin Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier has plenty of reasons to kick up their heels. The chapter is poised to host the Les Dames d’ Escoffier International (LDEI) Conference, October 24-27, a goal that was set five years ago by the local chapter. For the last year, its members have been working to create a welcoming environment of creativity, exploration and food fun in their hometown.  And now they’re ready to party.

The annual conference is expected to attract more than 400 women culinary professionals worldwide and kicks off Thursday, October 24, with “Dames Across Texas,” a spirited Texas wine and dine experience featuring more than 30 Central Texas chefs, women-owned restaurants, wineries and artisanal products (along with music by popular local songwriter Nathan Hamilton) at the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center. Open to the public, tickets for the event go on sale today for $55 and can be purchased at: https://damesacrosstexas.eventbrite.com. All proceeds support scholarships for women seeking culinary careers.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Austin chapter of Les Dames, which represents more than 50 of Austin’s top women culinary professionals. In the last decade, the chapter has contributed more than $25,000 in scholarships to local women.

“We’re so thrilled that Austin’s dynamic Dames chapter has so quickly become one of the organization’s largest chapters and we’re so excited to host so many of the world’s prominent women culinary pros in our town to experience Austin’s amazing food culture,” said Gina Burchenal, host co-chair of the international organization and past president of the Austin chapter.

Thursday, October 24 also coincides with National Food Day, a nationwide celebration
 and movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. To mark the occasion, the chapter will team up with Austin’s Sustainable Food Center to offer opportunities for the conference visitors to learn about Austin’s efforts to support the affordable fresh food initiative.