About Us
The Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is an organization of over 100 resident leaders and experts in the food and beverage industries, and we are dedicated to growing, creating, promoting and sharing our local food culture.
We founded our group in 2013 with 55 members—one of the largest initial memberships in the history of the organization. We are chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, caterers, farmers, food retailers, event planners, cookbook authors, food writers and editors, registered dietitian nutritionists, food photographers, food and prop stylists, winemakers and wine-industry professionals, food publicists, food-service professionals, culinary educators and hospitality executives.
We are dedicated to creating a culture in our community that fosters excellence, and we are committed to sharing what we know through educational and charitable activities.
Each fall, we host a fundraising picnic, Champagne & Fried Chicken, and we have awarded nearly $250,000 to students, teachers, female entrepreneurs and food-related nonprofits across the state of Alabama. We support college education, fund projects for high school students, help grow women-owned businesses, and assist with other food-related work in our communities.
We are steadfast and enthusiastic advocates for our local food community and seek always to celebrate its diversity, uniqueness and time-honored traditions.
Our Mission
LDEI is a diverse professional organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education, advocacy, mentoring and philanthropy.
Our Shared Vision
All LDEI chapters worldwide share a vision to be the preeminent global professional association for women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries.