NEW ORLEANS – Les Dames d’ Escoffier International (LDEI), an organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality professions, announced the addition of a new chapter in New Orleans.
On Monday, Sept. 25, the LDEI Council of Delegates ratified the charter for New Orleans bringing the organization’s total membership to more than 2,300 and the total number of chapters to 40.
According to LDEI president Stacy Zeigler, “This is a significant milestone for our organization. It shows the strength of our brand and of the women on the forefront of food, fine beverage and hospitality."
The New Orleans chapter currently has 19 founding members – from acclaimed chefs and restaurant owners to writers, nonprofit leaders and publicists.
“The Crescent City has no shortage of incredible women in the industry who are making a difference each day through their many contributions,” said New Orleans Chapter president Stephanie Carter, editor of Eater NOLA. “We are thrilled to be part of such an influential organization as LDEI and look forward to upholding the mission of providing education opportunities for women and philanthropic support to the communities they serve.”
Joining Carter on the New Orleans board are food writer Beth D'Addono (VP); executive director of John Besh Foundation and Aarón Sanchez Scholarship Fund, Caroline Rosen (VP); Chef/CEO of Locally Preserved, Emily Vanlandingham (treasurer); and director of communications for The Commander's Family of Restaurants, Sam Cusimano (secretary).
A full list of founding members includes:
• Allison Alsup Writer, teacher, designer
• Lauren Busch Brustman Carrino, VP public relations
• Stephanie Carter Eater NOLA
• Julie Cavignac Destination Kitchen & Simply Julie, owner
• Nina Compton Compère Lapin, chef/owner
• Sam Cusimano The Commander’s Family of Restaurants, director of communications
• Beth D’Addono Food writer
• Mani Dawes Tia Pol and Kenton's, owner
• Kristin Essig Coquette, chef/owner
• Kelly Fields Willa Jean, chef/partner
• Darla Fisackerly The Commander's Family of Restaurants, marketing manager
• Renee Kientz St. Tammany Tourist Commission, VP communications, marketing and PR
• Simone Rathle Simone Ink, president
• Anne Roderique-Jones Freelance journalist
• Caroline Rosen John Besh Foundation/Aarón Sánchez Scholarship Fund, executive director
• Poppy Tooker Louisiana Eats!, executive producer/host
• Ann Tuennerman Tales of the Cocktail, founder
• Emily Vanlandingham Locally Preserved, CEO/chef
• Liz Williams National Food & Beverage Foundation, president
The Les Dames d’Escoffier organization takes its inspiration from Auguste Escoffier, a legendary chef and culinary innovator in his own time (1846-1935), as well as a philanthropist who marshaled his culinary resources and connections to do good things. It is believed that he was the first chef in the world to proactively enlist food and wine as fundraising vehicles.
