Join Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago for the inaugural Chicago Great Bakes Challenge—an exclusive showcase where ten exceptional women from local culinary schools compete for career-boosting prizes and experiences with industry leaders. Spectators will experience the competition and judging LIVE, with complimentary coffee and wine service for the afternoon—and, of course, the contestants’ sweet and savory creations. Read on for more detail about the impressive roster of judges and prizes!
Tickets: $95.00/person (beverages and pastry included)
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Time: 2PM – 5PM
Location: Birch Roads Cellar (Lincoln Park) 1113 W. Armitage St., Chicago
All proceeds benefit Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago scholarship fund, as well as 100% of additional donations at checkout.
Our Panel of Judges
Some of Chicago’s most esteemed baking and pastry professionals will judge the competition. Chicago Dames and local legends Gale Gand and Yudith Bustos Taleno are 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 is 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
Hospitality Partners
Compete
Are you a pastry student ready to step into the spotlight? Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago is looking for exceptional young
women from local culinary schools to compete in our inaugural Chicago Great Bakes Challenge — an exclusive
showcase competing for career-boosting prizes and exposure to industry leaders.
Every dish tells a story. This is your chance to tell yours to a room full of Chicago’s most influential food and hospitality professionals — and to the judges who are actively looking for emerging talent to champion. This is more than a competition. It’s an opportunity to impress the very people who can help shape the next chapter of your career — and walk away with prizes that open real doors. Compete for a $2,500 cash prize for further education, a resume-worthy hands-on experience, and social media
recognition on Les Dames Chicago channels. Second and Third place will also be awarded prizes and media coverage.
If you are:
- Currently enrolled in pastry arts education or a 2026 graduate
- Focus or interest in pastry arts
- Ready to present an original creation
- Eager to connect with industry mentors & leaders
…you are eligible to compete!
Please apply using the form here.
Support
Can’t attend but want to fund scholarships for women pursuing a culinary career; grants to organizations that focus on issues of health, nutrition, community and food security; and educational programs and events designed to support women in the culinary field.? Support our philanthropic work here.