Dames gathered at The French Pastry School on September 12 to honor the seven amazing scholarship recipients for 2017. The Chicago Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier granted scholarships totaling $30,000 to representatives of four area schools, including Joliet Junior College, Kendall College, Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute, and The French Pastry School.

Future culinarians include four students from The French Pasty School: Anjail Belton, Keryn Cannon, Ambar Giorio Jackson, and Estelle Quenum.

Lisa Lee attends Kendall College. Easter Coleman attends Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute. And Sarah Van Tuyle attends Joliet Junior College.

During the awards ceremony, the scholarship recipients expressed their thanks and demonstrated their passion for pursuing careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.

The scholarship committee is co-chaired by Pat Cobe and Joan Driggs. Committee members include Judy Hevrdejs-King, Mary Nguyen Aregoni, Phaedra Ruffalo, and Lois Levine.

Special thanks to The French Pastry School and Dame Anne Kauffmann for generously hosting the event and providing fresh-baked breads, desserts, and delectable chocolates; Dame Veronica Hastings of H2 Vino for providing sparkling wine; Dame Roisin Hennerty and The Irish Dairy Board for the assortment of Kerrygold cheeses and butter; and Dame Julie Ratowitz of Zelda’s Kosher Gourmet, who provided hors d’oeuvres.