Les Dames d'Escoffier, Birmingham

Dames at Pepper Place Farmers Market.

There’s no better way to spend a Saturday morning in Birmingham than strolling through the Market, supporting local makers, connecting with friends, and celebrating the incredible food community that makes our city so special.

Dames , .roussel, Idie Hastings and Martha Johnston had a great morning chat.

Save the Date! 🥟

Join us for an evening of food, learning, and fun as Les Dames d’Escoffier Birmingham partners with Food Pleasure and Health for a hands-on Dumpling Making Class with Chef and Registered Dietitian Dixya Bhattarai.

Learn how to make two different styles of Asian dumplings, master the art of folding and filling, and enjoy them with Chef Dixya’s famous chili oil. As a special bonus, every attendee will take home a 4-ounce jar of her signature chili oil.

📅 Monday, June 22
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 2400 1st Avenue N, Suite 6, Birmingham, AL 35203
🎟️ $30 per person
👥 Open to members and guests

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for a unique culinary experience, this class promises great food, new skills, and wonderful company.

More details and registration information coming soon.

Save the date and bring a friend!

Several Les Dames d’Escoffier Birmingham members shared their culinary talents at Jones Valley Teaching Farm’s Gather event, preparing delicious dishes for this casual community picnic, while other Dames came out to support the event and enjoy an afternoon celebrating food, community, and connection.

We are proud to support Jones Valley Teaching Farm and its mission to inspire healthy communities by teaching people where food comes from and how it is grown. Through education, urban farming, and community engagement, the organization is helping cultivate a healthier and more connected future for Birmingham.

Thank you to all the Dames who participated and helped make the day special.










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⏰ Membership Drive Closing Soon!
Don’t miss your chance to join the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Applications close May 31.
If you have 5+ years in culinary, hospitality, or fine beverage and leadership experience—we want to hear from you.

📩 Reach out to Cristina Almanza at [email protected]

The strength of Les Dames d’Escoffier comes from the diversity of women who shape the food, beverage, and hospitality industries every day.

From farms to restaurants, media, events, education, nutrition, wine, and culinary leadership, our members bring together talent, experience, creativity, and passion to support our community and each other.

Women supporting women.

Amazing day at , with Dames and Dame-owned businesses showing up and showing out!

Flowers from Deborah Stone , squash blossoms and garlic scapes from Margaret Ann Snow’s , Rebecca Denson at , handmade pasta and sauces by Rita Bernhardt of , LDEI grant winner Lisa Strelnikova of , croissants from Kristen Farmer Hall’s, Laura Zapalowski and her family of after the chef demo, and big smiles with Martha Johnston and Leigh Sloss-Corra.

Beautiful morning to shop local and support women-owned businesses at .

Best way to spend a Saturday morning!!

This week, members of spent time volunteering with .wellhouse, an organization that provides restoration and support for women who are survivors of human trafficking.

The Dames who volunteer .Wellhouse teach nutrition and cooking classes each month.

On the menu this week were Sheet-pan Chicken with Black beans and squash, Strawberry Fool and Sorelle Cafe’s Gluten free Focaccia Bread. We prepared a gluten free, sugar free nachos appetizer to start.

The ladies learned about cooking at high oven heat and jelly roll pans vs other pans. We reviewed knife skills and discussed the nutritional benefits of fresh herbs. We also lightened the classic dessert by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

There were lots more tidbits of knowledge passed on. As always the enthusiasm was high and the hugs tight.

Save the Date

Champagne & Fried Chicken returns—bigger and better than ever.

Join us on October 4, 2026, at Pepper Place for an evening that brings together great food, community, and purpose.

Expect the signature pairing everyone loves, along with a lively atmosphere and meaningful impact. Every ticket supports our mission to provide scholarships, grants, and outreach programs for women in food, beverage, and hospitality.

More details, ticket information, and ways to get involved will be shared soon.

Happy Mother’s Day to our incredible Dames.

Today we celebrate the women in our chapter who nurture, lead, teach, and inspire, both at the table and beyond. Your dedication to your families, your work, and this community reflects the strength and generosity that define who we are.

You show us every day what it means to care deeply, give generously, and lead with purpose.

We are grateful for you and proud to celebrate you.

Les Dames Favorite Recipe

In this series, each Dame will share a favorite recipe along with a bit of her story, what she cooks, why it matters, and how it connects to her journey in food.

We begin with Pam Lolley and a classic she developed during her time at Southern Living, her Blueberry Lemon Cake.

Pam built her career on testing and refining recipes until they were dependable, approachable, and worth repeating. This cake reflects that work, balanced, bright, and designed to turn out right every time.

Now retired, her impact still shows up in kitchens everywhere and in our chapter.