Category: Chicago Chapter News
The Art of French Pastry
CONGRATULATIONS TO CHEF PFEIFFER WHO WON THE 2014 JAMES BEARD COOKBOOK AWARD IN THE CATEGORY BAKING AND DESSERT.
Note: The French Pastry School is a good friend of Les Dames Chicago. This review of Jacquy Pfeiffer’s new book originally appeared on PenandFork.com
The Art of French Pastry
by Jacquy Pfeiffer with Martha Rose Shulman
Photographs © Paul Strabbing
Facts: Alfred A. Knopf, 432 pages, $40.00 (or Amazon Hardcover $25.30, Kindle $21.99)
Photos: About 99 not including diagrams and drawings
Recipes: Too many to count
In 1995 Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer and Chef Sébastien Canonne, M.O.F., opened The French Pastry School in Chicago. It was the only school of its kind in the United States. Having taken classes at The French Pastry School, I will say that everyone I have met on their staff is competent, genuinely nice, helpful and interested in a student’s success.
(Aside: In 2009, the DVD Kings of Pastry hit the market. The documentary follows Chef Pfeiffer’s return to France on a quest for the prestigious status of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (M.O.F.). If you are not aware of what transpires during this competition, i.e., the pressure, the long hours and the high emotions, it’s a must see. The story is fascinating.)
Back to the book: Chef Pfeiffer’s talents have been recognized worldwide and now The Art of French Pastry is a finalist for a James Beard award in the category of Baking and Dessert. Continue reading “The Art of French Pastry”
Visiting Dames enjoy Chicago’s finest at Drake Hotel reception
70 dames from all over the country attended a lovely cocktail reception sponsored by the Chicago chapter at the iconic Drake Hotel’s Palm Court. Dames who attended the IACP Annual Conference, along with Chicago chapter dames and guests sipped on bubbly and nibbled on charcuterie while catching up in the historic Palm Court on Sunday, March 16.
21 dames lingered for a dutch treat dinner at the Cape Cod Room and enjoyed the freshest catches of the day in a Chicago landmark restaurant. Dames Tami Mizrahi and Linda Avery did an incredible job organizing this wonderful event and president Jen Lamplough heard from many International chapter dames about how grateful they were for the welcome and how much fun they had.
Dames Who Drink and Picnic at Ravinia
Message from Dame Karen Levin:
WHAT: All members and their guests, please join us for a night under the stars with background music provided by Arrival, the Swedish cover band who performs the music of ABBA. On Sunday, August 17th we will meet at Karen Levin’s home between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm rain or shine. Bring a dish to share (pot luck to serve 8 packed and ready to take to Ravinia please) and beverages for yourselves. Please bring glasses or plastic cups, paper plates, utensils and napkins for yourselves.
Bring lawn chairs (blanket not needed). Karen will be providing margaritas and Maria Concannon will make her famous guacamole and salsa to snack on while we wait for the whole group to arrive.
You will need to purchase your lawn ticket(s) online at www.ravinia.org. Don’t forget to bring them that night.
WHERE: DIRECTIONS TO KAREN LEVIN’S HOME
Take the Kennedy (94)* North to the Edens expressway (to Milwaukee) to Clavey Road (1 exit past Lake Cook Road). Head east (right) on Clavey. The first stop light will be Green Bay Rd. Cross over Green Bay and turn right onto Melody Lane which is the second street on your right (just past Flora).
Proceed down the block to 590 Melody (black lamp post). You will need to park your car on the opposite side of the street across from the house. Parking will be crowded, so you may have to park further down on Melody. Please take a parking pass from the mailbox and place it in the car window on the driver’s side dash board.
*From Evanston take Sheridan Road: head north to Tower Rd. in Winnetka. Turn left (west) onto Tower to Green Bay Rd. Turn right (north) on Green Bay and proceed several miles to Lake Cook Rd. Cross Lake Cook and proceed to Melody Lane which is the third street on your right (you will pass the Ravinia main entrance).
*From Interstate 65 to the Indiana Toll Road to the Chicago Skyway. Continue on 94 (Dan Ryan Express Lanes) through downtown Chicago to the Kennedy Expressway North (94-Wisconsin) and follow the rest of the directions above.
Please let Karen know as soon as possible if you plan to come. Hope to see you there. KALE23@comcast.net or call 847-432-3831
Western Suburbs Potluck
Four dames and a potential new member attended a Mardi Gras themed festive potluck at Dame Sara Reddinton’s home on Sunday, February 23.
Cajun seasoned pork, Shrimp Etoufee, cornbread, citrus and jicama salad,Cajun rice salad and Chili Chocolate Brownies were on the menu and lots of bubbly to share.
Sara Reddington, Madelaine Bullwinkel, Karen Levin, Jennifer Lamplough and potential new member Sylvia enjoyed the food and the delightful atmosphere that is Sara’s unique and art filled home.
Chicago Dames Host Visiting Dames attending IACP
WHAT: Chicago Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier welcomes Dames who are attending the IACP Conference. Please join local and visiting Dames for a wine, bubbly and charcuterie reception. Dames from all chapters attending the IACP conference are invited at the iconic Drake Hotel.
Valet Parking: Special parking rate with validation of $14 for all day parking. Enter parking garage on Walton.
Option: Dutch Treat Dinner at 7:00 pm in the Cape Cod room of the Drake Hotel after the reception.
RSVP: Please RSVP for both the reception and/or Dutch treat dinner to Tamar Mizrahi Stone, tmiz3@comcast.net, or call 312.316.9466 for more information.
WHERE: The Drake Hotel Palm Court
140 E. Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-2200
WHEN: Sunday, March 16, 2014
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
2014 Sponsors
Thank you to all who support Les Dames d'Escoffier Chicago Chapter.
We are proud and so happy to have such prestigious sponsors!
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