Top Women Culinary Leaders Gather in Washington, D.C.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 300 Les Dames d'Escoffier (LDEI) members, women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality, are expected to converge on Washington, D.C., for the LDEI annual conference Oct. 27 – 30. This year's event, "Global Appetite/Local Impact," marks the 30^th anniversary of the organization created to help level the playing field for women in the culinary arts and hospitality professions. Click to tweet: http://ctt.ec/UiEaM

In keeping with that mission, Dame Susan Ungaro, President of the James Beard Foundation, will present the keynote address, "The Diversity Imperative: No More Excuses!,"  an action-plan for a more just, diverse, and multicultural food world. LDEI's Global Culinary Initiative Committee has engaged Lauren Bernstein, U.S. Department of State and Johanna Mendelson Forman, American University, Senior Advisor for the Managing Across Boundaries Program, to speak to the global impact of food in public diplomacy, "Culinary Diplomacy: Peace, One Plate at a Time." 

The LDEI conference program presented by the LDEI Washington D.C. chapter includes four days of educational seminars, networking, touring, and tastings. The D.C. chapter will host a charity fundraiser brunch, Chapeau, Auguste Escoffier, Sunday, Oct. 30 at The French Embassy, celebrating Auguste Escoffier's 170^th birthday.  Escoffier was one of the most innovative chefs in history whose philosophy, accomplishments, and philanthropic deeds serve as an inspiration to culinary professionals today.

The conference will also include:

• Traditional Turkish Cuisine for the Modern Palate
• George and Martha Washington's Bountiful Gardens and Table at Mount Vernon
• Library of Congress tour of rare books and special collections division
• Recognition of the M.F.K. Fisher women's food writing awards 

LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage, and hospitality professions. To do this, over 2,100 members in 36 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and host philanthropic events within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org or on Facebook at Les Dames d'Escoffier Int'l.  

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SOURCE Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI)