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Spring 2023 | Edible Cleveland, "Legacy of Les Dames"
Feb. 2020 | Currents, "Les Dames d'Escoffier women thrive in the culinary industry"
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Events
2026 Business Meetings
Program: Bi-monthly members' business meetingLogin: When on ZOOM, it is the same standing link for all meetings.
Dates and Times:
- September 13, 2026 | Annual Meeting @ Kari’s house 2-5pm (details below)
- Monday, November 2, 2026 | 6:00-7:00pm on ZOOM
LDEI Pitch Competition at The NUFM Garlic Festival
Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 5:00 pm
Join LDEI Cleveland at the Cleveland Garlic Festival in Shaker Square on Saturday, August 29 (5:00pm) for its annual PITCH COMPETITION!
Female entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, or hospitality industries operating in Northeast Ohio (both women-owned start-up businesses and established businesses) were invited to apply, and the finalists have been chosen!
Congratulations to our three finalists, Saidah Farrell & Adenike Harper – KneadED, a cooperative bakery and cocoa café, Nicole Watters – Nicole’s Café, and Lindsey King – Walkie Talkie Espresso and Coffee, who will make in-person, 15-minute pitches to our judges.
Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st ($3,000) 2nd ($2,000) and 3rd ($1,000) place winners. The finalists will also have the opportunity to present their wares and gain additional exposure at the market on Saturday, August 22, from 8 am to noon.
Volunteers Signup: Dames, as always, we need volunteers to help out—and you get free admission to the festival! Please choose your volunteer spot at the SignUpGenius link here.
Come cheer on our finalists!
Dames at The Cleveland Food Bank
2 Dates:
Monday, August 31, 2026 | 6–8pm
Monday, November 9 | 6–8pm
Join us for an evening of service (or two!) at The Cleveland Food Bank helping with their Repack projects!
Location: Greater Cleveland Food Bank Partner Distribution Hub at Coit Road
13815 Coit Road | Cleveland, OH 44110
Volunteer tasks may include:
- Sorting through and Repackaging Incoming Nonperishable, Perishable, and Non-food Donations
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program Box Packing (Senior Boxes
- Backpacks for Kids Kit Assembly
- Relabeling and Correcting Labels on Product to Enable Distribution
Each time slot is open for up to 10 volunteers – Dames, friends, spouses, and children over 14 welcome!
We’ll finish the evening at Millie’s in the Waterloo Arts district for a drink and a snack. Hope to see many of you there!
REGISTER / get more details
Annual Chapter Meeting (Members Only)
Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 2-5pm
This is our mandatory annual meeting (although we know that there may be unavoidable conflicts). We will have a business meeting, including elections of the board for a new two year term, a welcome to new members, a report of the past year, and plans for the future.
Kari’s husband, Herb, will be smoking some meats, and Kari will have a hearty main dish. Salads, desserts, and, of course, wine will make the potluck complete!
Location: Dame Kari’s home (address emailed to members)
Please Bring: Please bring a dish and/or beverage to share.
About LDEI: We are a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Our membership is highly diversified (with 2,400 members in 44 chapters across the USA, Canada, UK, Mexico, France, and Italy) and reflects the fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality. We support our communities through grants, scholarships, and mentorship. Prospective members must have at least five years of relevant industry experience to apply to become a Dame.
We welcome donations in any amount! THANK YOU!
