A variety of events are offered by Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago during the year, with many events open to the public. Check out events below for what’s coming up. For more information, email programs@lesdameschicago.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10: TALES FROM THE FRONT STORY TELLING SALON

Storytelling can entertain, unite, inspire, amuse and elucidate people. On Sunday, March 10, you are invited to a Storytelling Salon where Chicago Dames and guests will share personal stories of their experiences in the food and drink industry.

Each storyteller will have up to five minutes to tell their own story. Storytellers can read it from a page or recite it from pure memory. It may be funny, moving, deep, comical, dramatic, dire, suspenseful, personal, insightful or any of a number of other things  but above all It should be true.  As we listen and share, we’ll enjoy a glass of wine and some light snacks.

This is an ideal event for guests, as they’ll get to know Dames through their stories in the wide world of food and all that surrounds it!

WHEN: Sunday, March 10, from 4-7 p.m.
WHERE: At the home of Dame Elizabeth Donovan, 159 W Burton Pl, 3rd floor (walk up!), Chicago, IL 60610  Limited street parking in the area; (Clark & Division Red Line stop is a short walk away).
COST: Bring $5 and a bottle of wine to share; light snacks will be provided.

PLEASE RSVP BY MARCH 6: Elizabeth Donovan, elizabethdonovan1076@gmail.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21: PREMIERE OF A FINE LINE

We are pleased to share an advance invitation to the premiere of an exciting new documentary shining a spotlight on women in the restaurant industry – including our own Dame Carrie Nahabedian, chef and co-owner of the critically acclaimed Brindille restaurant!

In this award-winning documentary, entitled “A Fine Line,” filmmaker Joanna James explores why less than 7% of head chefs and restaurant owners are women, presenting candid insights from world-renowned chefs including Carrie Nahabedian, as well as another Dame, Lidia Bastianich, Dominique Crenn, April Bloomfield, Barbara Lynch, Cat Cora, Daniel Humm and many more.  “A Fine Line” grapples with themes sparking national conversations right now, including workplace harassment, equal pay, paid parental leave and career advancement.

This is a great opportunity to honor a fellow Dame and help support women in the restaurant industry.

• Thursday, March 21 from 6-9 p.m.
• National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St.
• $45 per person
• Purchase tickets and get all the details here

MONDAY, APRIL 1: CHICAGO FOOD ENCYCLOPEDIA TRIVIA NIGHT

Think you know everything there is to know about Chicago and its food? Here’s your chance to prove it, when we dive into some of the most fun facts in the pages of The Chicago Food Encyclopedia.

Co-Editor Carol Mighton Haddix and a panel of Dames who contributed to The Chicago Food Encyclopedia will be on-hand to tell us stories about what they learned as they researched the wide world of local food, places and people. You may be surprised at many of the things they uncovered!

And in keeping with the April Fools Day date, we will do our best to fool you with a list of true or false facts! You’ll want to be the winner of that quiz!

Books will be available for purchase and Carol and her co-editors Bruce Kraig and Colleen Sen will be there to personally sign them. And yes, of course, there will be treats from Eli’s Cheesecake too!  This fun and fantastic event is open to Dames and guests. Have a prospective member in mind? Bring them!

• WHEN: Monday, April 1 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
• WHERE: Eli’s Cheesecake Company, 6701 Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago 60634
• PRICE: $20 per person
• Purchase tickets and get all the details here

Plenty of free parking available.

Mark your calendars:

• Monday, June 10, 2019 will be the Annual Dinner & Business Meeting. Location will be forthcoming.
• Sunday, June 30: Culinary Estate Sale, Location will be forthcoming