The annual convention of Les Dames d'Escoffier International was held in Atlanta, Georgia, November 3 - 6 and two members of the new London chapter attended: President Valentina Harris and Secretary Sue Carter.
Over 150 Dames came from chapters throughout North America (including Dames from Canada and Hawaii!) and the Atlanta Dames hosted a great event. We experienced a dose of real Southern hospitality, and even the city put on a wonderful show with glorious Autumn colours and bright sunshine for most of our stay.
We met some amazing women, and were able to learn so much about how different chapters operate, as well as attend seminars on such diverse subjects as Bourbon and Food pairing and Succesful Fundraising. Keynote speakers Martha Teichner (CBS News) and Kim Severson (The New York Times) were inspiring and very funny.
We learned more about the Green Tables Programme and how the Atlanta chapter has created strategic partnerships with farmers and community garden projects, and made huge changes within one school cafeteria, moving the philosophy from 'heat and serve' to prepare and cook. This was just one example of how the incentive is making its mark within the US.
We met some of the National sponsors (partners) who help support LDEI - companies such as Kerrygold who could be a UK partner - and others such as the Hearts of Palm grower from Hawaii who shared freshly roasted hearts of palm with us, what a revelation! Sadly not coming our way until they can figure out how to ship fresh product.
We participated in the Council of Delegates meeting where we met the LDEI Board and listened to reports covering all aspects financial and governmental, and enjoyed a dynamic presentation from the St. Louis (Missouri) chapter who are hosting the 2012 Convention.
Sue met the Founder of LDEI - Carol Brock - a truly amazing woman.
We enjoyed the Legacy Awards Luncheon which honoured the two remarkable young women who'd received the awards in 2010, and the Grande Dame Award Dinner where Natalie Dupree was the honouree.
At every opportunity we were feted, asked to stand and be recognized to rounds of applause so many times we lost count. LDEI is ecstatic about having a chapter in London - let's make it count!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 10:15AM 
