MEMBERS: Join us for an afternoon crawl along Metairie Road, where the pours are strong, the walks are short (¼ mile between stops) and the vibe is very off-BOURBON.

dame ali loftin is taking us on a tour de Parish of her favorite haunts.

this event is open to members and prospective members.

CLICK RSVP TO SEE THE STARTING POINT AND STOPS ALONG THE WAY.

Join fellow Dames for a meaningful morning of service with Shef RhomE to help prepare and share high-end meals with individuals and families who are low-income, unhoused, or experiencing hunger.

Check RSVP Page for additional details

https://www.lesdamesnola.org/rsvp-shefrhome

Join us for an engaging and insightful evening exploring how social media continues to shape the food, beverage and hospitality industry in New Orleans. Serving Up Influence brings together leading voices in digital marketing and content creation to share real-world strategies, emerging trends and best practices for building meaningful online presence and brand loyalty.

NON-MEMBERS: $15 donation for admission

MEMBERS: Check your e-mail or text for FREE ADMISSION code to use at checkout.

Featured Panelists

Caroline Rosa — Founder, Caroline Rosa Marketing
With more than 20 years of experience across theatre, non-profits, weddings, and large-scale events, Caroline leads a boutique micro-agency dedicated to pairing talented creatives with small businesses that deserve big-brand attention. Her team specializes in authentic, strategic social marketing and content creation for restaurants, hospitality brands, and beyond.

Caitlin Minshew — Founder, Lagniappe Social Co. & Creator, Eating with Caitt
A New Orleans native and marketing entrepreneur, Caitlin is passionate about showcasing the city’s vibrant food culture and community. Through her agency and digital platforms, she helps local businesses grow through strategic storytelling while building meaningful connections that celebrate women and local culture.

Tamsy Kambi — Creator, Tam Loves to Eat
A registered nurse and cultural storyteller, Tamsy has built a respected digital platform highlighting New Orleans’ cuisine, neighborhoods, and community. Recognized nationally in outlets such as Forbes and Essence, she uses her voice to uplift local businesses and authentically represent the spirit of the city.

Stephanie Forrer — Social Media Marketing Specialist / Eat Drink, Travel Y’all
Stephanie is a marketing consultant and content creator who specializes in the hospitality industry. Over the past fifteen years, she has worked with acclaimed restaurants, chefs, hotels, wineries, and breweries around the world in a number of capacities. Stephanie is both a writer and photographer, and has a deep love for the food, beverage, and travel industries and considers it an honor to tell their stories in print, in photos, in videos, and in person.

Simone Reggie (Moderator), Director of Sales & Marketing, French Truck Coffee

Celebrate Women’s History Month at Brennan’s with an extraordinary four-course luncheon, thoughtfully paired with wines and cocktails, honoring the women shaping today’s culinary and beverage landscape.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Les Dames d’Escoffier, the New Orleans Chapter, whose mission is to inspire, advance, and support women in food, beverage, and hospitality through education, mentorship, and philanthropy—promoting excellence and community.

LEARN MORE, BUY TICKETS

Sisterhood of Culinary Stars
Women’s History Month Luncheon at Brennan’s
Friday, March 20 | Noon
$150 per person (inclusive of gratuity, plus tax)

Members of Les Dames NOLA get a $20 per ticket discount with code FRIENDANDFAM.

This collaborative experience brings together an all-star lineup of Food Network champions, Michelin-starred talent, and James Beard Award winners and finalists, including:

Kris Padalino, Executive Chef, Brennan’s
Haley Bittermann, Executive Chef, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group
Christiane Engeran, Executive Chef, Bayona
Sue Zemanick, Chef/Owner of Michelin-starred Zasu
Britt Rescigno & Kinsey Leodler, Co-Founders, Co-Chefs & Owners of Fiamma

Curated wine and beverage pairings by Braithe Gill, RBRG Corporate Beverage Director and 2026 James Beard Semifinalist, Beverage Service.

The afternoon begins with a welcome cocktail by Fawn Weaver, Founder & CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, featuring her take on a “Grown-Up Mimosa,” and concludes with a special farewell cocktail.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon celebrating women in the kitchen and behind the bar. Limited seating available.

They shine as leaders in our community. The work they’re doing isn’t just noteworthy — it has a profound impact on the industries at the heart of our mission: hospitality, service and food justice.

Join us in honoring the 2026 Leading from the Heart awardees at our annual awards breakfast.

This event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. All are welcome, including +1s, prospective members and the general public. Proceeds from the breakfast support our mission to inspire, advance and support women in food, beverage and hospitality to achieve excellence in leadership and philanthropy.

March 18, 2026
8:30 am - 11 am
Nolé, 2001 St. Charles Ave.
Ticket includes plated breakfast
Cash bar

CLICK TO PURCHASE TICKETS

They shine as leaders in our community. The work they’re doing isn’t just noteworthy — it has a profound impact on the industries at the heart of our mission: hospitality, service and food justice.

Join us in honoring the 2026 Leading from the Heart awardees (TBA SOON!).

This event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. All are welcome, including +1s, prospective members and the general public. Proceeds from the breakfast support our mission to inspire, advance and support women in food, beverage and hospitality to achieve excellence in leadership and philanthropy.

March 18, 2026
8:30 am - 11 am
Nolé, 2001 St. Charles Ave.
Ticket includes plated breakfast
Cash bar

BUY TICKETS

Let’s wrap up the year together in true Dame style—WITH good food, great company, and JOY!

Join us for a cozy evening at the home of Stephanie Carter.

Date: DECEMBER 10, 2025
Time: 6PM - 8 PM
Location: Stephanie Carter’s Home (address provided upon RSVP)

This is a members-only gathering. Please RSVP to let us know you're coming—and bring a potluck dish, if you wish. (Include the name of your dish on the RSVP form.)

We can’t wait to see you there!

RSVP REQUIRED

Join us for a lively evening of food, drinks and fundraising at a Garden party featuring delicious bites from local chefs, refreshing sips, fun raffles, and a can't-miss auction.

FEATURED CHEFS & RESTAURANTS

Sophina Uong Chef/Owner of Mister Mao

Kaitlin Guerin Chef/Owner of Lagniappe Bakehouse

Meg Bickford Executive Chef of Commander's Palace

Amy Mehrtens, Executive Chef of Copper Vine

Maggie Scales Executive Pastry Chef of La Boulangerie / LRG Pastry

Justin Devillier Chef/Owner of La Petite Grocery

Chaya Conrad, Chef/Owner of Bywater Bakery

Craig Scot, Chef/Owner of Katie’s Restaurant

Antoine’s Restaurant

And more! Join our mailing list for updates.

This annual celebration fuels the Leading from the Heart Awards program, with 100% of proceeds benefitting Les Dames d’Escoffier. Come hungry, leave inspired!

October 22, 2025
Paradigm gardens / 1131 S. Rampart Street.
Patron party: 5:30 p.m.
Reception: 6:30 p.m.

BUY PATRON PARTY TICKETS

BUY RECEPTION TICKETS

This annual meeting is mandatory for members! Catch up with fellow Dames, meet new members, find out what we’ve been up to, and learn how you can get involved with upcoming events.

PLEASE RSVP for this meeting!

MEMBERS ONLY
Join us for a Global Culinary Initiative dinner exploring Venezuelan cuisine and culture with Origen Bistro chef/owner Julio Machado.

MENU
Hearts of Palm Salad served over a sweet corn cachapa with avocado cream and black truffle hot sauce
Salmon Crudo with avocado cubes and our street-style leche de tigra
Arepa Tacos Duo (Reina pepiada with avocado & Slow-roasted pork and pico de gallo)

$40 + Cash Bar

Origen Bistro (3600 St Claude Ave.)
July 23, 2025
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

BUY TICKETS

Please join us for a tasty chapter mixer with current and prospective members at the home of Beth D’Addono!

Members are encouraged to bring prospective Dames! This is a great opportunity for us to introduce and meet co-workers, friends and other women in hospitality who are interested in joining our chapter.

Sips and dips will be provided by Beth, Jennifer Killian, Suzanne Felber, Melanie Young & Jesseca Malecki.

Let us know if you’re bringing a +1 (or more!) in the RSVP notes. Event address will be sent by email to RSVPs.

3rd annual post-holiday king cake party

hosted by Dame Amy Sins

Date: 1/13/25
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: RSVP for address

Bring your favorite king cake! Or, an app or other dish to share. Let us know what you’re brining when you RSVP. This event is open to members only.

Join us for a Global Culinary Initiative dinner with Chef Pablo Reyes at Galaxie

Chef Pablo, a native of Oaxaca who has spent the last decade in some of New Orleans’ best kitchens, will explore the culture, cuisine and his life in Oaxaca — a journey through the diverse flavors, ingredients and techniques that define his food heritage.

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL! We’re inviting prospective Dames to join us, so please feel free to invite anyone interested in learning more about the culture and cuisine of Oaxaca or LDEI and our chapter.

December 5, 2024

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Galaxie Taco (3060 Saint Claude Ave.)

Tickets: $50/person (includes family-style dinner, 2 cocktails), paid directly to Galaxie at the event. “Buy” a ticket to reserve your spot and and to help us provide an accurate headcount.

About Global Culinary Initiative programs

The LDEI Global Culinary Initiative embraces diversity through the lens of food – the thread that connects cultures, lifestyles and traditions. Dames New Orleans taps into the diverse cultures in our community with educational programming and events that celebrate various cultures through their culinary traditions.

{Dames Only}

Location: Glass Half Full

Address: 3935 Louisa St., New Orleans, LA 70126

Date: July 29th

Time: 4 pm

Capacity: 20 Dames

Attire: Closed-toe shoes required. Be mindful that the warehouse is WARM.

Join us for a Happy Hour at Alma (Bywater) on Wednesday 7/10 at 5:30 pm to Meet & Greet the 2024 New Orleans Four Seasons Legacy Award Winner Heather Carpenter. Dame Melissa Araujo will be hosting with cocktail and small bite specials.

Join us on Tuesday 4/16 for a Members Only Happy Hour.

Dame Jesseca Malecki (General Manager, Hotel Fontenot) will host us from 5-7 pm at King Brasserie.

$15 participation fee to be paid at the event.

Space is limited to 15 members.

Passed Appetizer Menu:

GRUYÈRE & PARMESAN GOUGÈRES prosciutto ham 4 

YELLOWFIN TUNA CRUDO & CUCUMBER flavors of niçoise 5

WILD MUSHROOM & RICE CROQUETTE black garlic aioli 4

BBQ GULF SHRIMP ORLEANS parmesan grit cake, scallion 5

CRAWFISH BEIGNET crab fat aioli, cayenne 6

Complimentary Queen’s Punch - Bacardi, raspberry, port, sangria, & citrus

Happy hour cocktail / wine menu discounted to $6

Date: February 27th, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI)

Price: $45 (One adult ticket, inclusive of tax and gratuity)

Tickets: https://www.lesdamesnola.org/tickets/leading-from-the-heart-awards-breakfast

Honoring:

Ms. Sinnidra Taylor of Codey’s Nola

Ms. Thuy Pham of Nola Nite Market

Menu: Ticket includes Breakfast Reception and Welcome Cocktail. Cash Bar for additional alcoholic beverages.

Check the newsletter for address.

Join us for a Latin-inspired evening at Paradigm Gardens to benefit our Leading from the Heart Awards!

Tickets: $100 per person

Food served from New Orleans Dames Chefs:

Nina Compton: Moqueca de Peixe, Gulf Seafood, tomato, coconut milk, cilantro

Sophina Uong: Chorizo con Papas Empanadas, tomatillo ginger salsa cruda

Wood Fired Plantains + Chorizo, olive, currant, chilies

Jillian Duran: Gulf Shrimp Ceviche, Leche de Tigre, aji Amarillo, tostones

Amy Sins: Mexican Rice, sofrito, tomato, local greens

Maya Mastersson: Quimbombo con Harina, sofrito, yellow pepper jelly (stuffed okra)

Dee Lavigne: Roasted Zucchini, cilantro lime crema

Maggie Scales: Tres Leches Cake, coconut + toasted meringue

Megan Forman: Dulce de Leche Coconut Profiterole

Music by: Muévelo

Location: Paradigm Gardens 1131 S Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

Date/Time: 11/28/2023 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Tickets include food and adult beverages. Adults only. Raffle tickets will be sold at the door.

Sponsored by:

Wednesday June 14, 2023 @ 6:30pm

Hype Haus x WeHelp Nola collab fundraiser.

1st 15 Dames to register get in free.

The remaining 10 available seats are a $34 donation for WeHelp Nola.

The Global Culinary Initiative is hosting a unique culinary education event

.15 tickets are available at $55 each which includes a 3-course meal + 1 glass of wine and tax/tip. This event is open to the public and Miss Shirley will be on hand to speak to our group.

Where: Miss Shirley’s 3009 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI) New Orleans has just announced the three grant recipients for the inaugural Leading from the Heart Awards. Restaurateur Amanda Toups of Toups Meatery and Cristina Quackenbush Chef of pop-up Milkfish and founder/president of Good Trouble Network will each be awarded individual $2,500 grants. An additional $2,500 grant to WeHelp Nola, a woman-led nonprofit, will be awarded to founder Olivia McCoy.

Join us for the inaugural Leading from the Heart Awards breakfast on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Hotel Fontentot. Limited tickets available.

This event is open to the public and requires advance ticket purchases.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

We’re all women in hospitality across the New Orleans region, and the traditional holiday season is a busy time for all. Therefore we’ve decided to celebrate the holidays together on Monday, January 9th to celebrate all things 2022, indulge in a plethora of king cakes, and embrace time together with fellow Dames.

RSVP HERE