Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago would like to thank all participants, attendees, and judges for making our inaugural Chicago Great Bakes Challenge a success! Ten exceptional women from local culinary schools competed for career-boosting prizes and experiences with industry leaders.
Thank you to:
Our Panel of Judges
Some of Chicago’s most esteemed baking and pastry professionals judged the competition. Chicago Dames and local legends Gale Gand and Laura Herman were joined by Chef Justin Lerias of acclaimed pastry hotspot, Del Sur Bakery, in support of advancing the next generation of culinary excellence.
Event Partners
This competition was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and:
The Great Chicago Bakes Title Sponsor
Plugrà Premium European Style Butter – First Place Prize
The Great Chicago Bakes Event Sponsor
National Honey Board – 2nd Place Prize
Prize Experiences for Top 3 Contestants Courtesy Of:
Callebaut Chocolate Immersion | Pretty Cool Ice Cream Custom Pop Experience – Dana Cree, Founder | Publican Quality Bread Bakery Internship – Greg Wade, Partner
Craft Ingredient Partners
Burlap & Barrel | Callebaut Chocolate | Caputo Flour | Sunstarr Apparel