Members Only Events

Upcoming Events:

Reel Tasty & Dames Who Read 2025

Our foodie film and book discussions are great ways to gather informally with members for interesting, spirited conversations. If you have questions about Reel Tasty, contact Gail Forman at gailforman@comcast.net. Questions about Dames Who Read, contact Eileen Dykes at eileendykes@gmail.com. Please consider hosting either a book or movie discussion; Gail and Eileen have lists of suitable movies and books to aid with your selection. All discussions take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Reel Tasty is via Zoom; Dames Who Read is a hybrid of Zoom and in-person.

Reel Tasty:

  • Monday, May 19

  • Monday, September 15

Dames Who Read:

  • Monday, April 21

  • Monday, June 16

  • Monday, October 21

Dames Who Read, Monday, April 21: 7 to 8:30 pm: The Secret History of Food: Strange but True Stories About the Origins of Everything We Eat by Matt Siegel is an entertaining look at the little-known history surrounding the foods we know and love. Is Italian olive oil really Italian, or are we dipping our bread in lamp oil? Why are we masochistically drawn to foods that can hurt us, like hot peppers? Far from being a classic American dish, is apple pie actually…English? “As a species, we’re hardwired to obsess over food,” Matt Siegel explains as he sets out “to uncover the hidden side of everything we put in our mouths.” Discussion moderated by Paula Jacobson. 

Please RSVP to Eileen Dykes at eileendykes@gmail.com if you are planning to join the meeting. Of course, last-minute drop-ins are always welcome.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3019868540

Reel Tasty, Monday, May 19: 7 to 8:30 pm: The Secret of the Grain (AKA Couscous) 2007, Original Title: La Graine et le Mulet. Winner of four Cesar Awards, including best picture and director. Slimane, the divorced head of a Franco-Arabic family living in France, pursues his dream of converting a dilapidated boat into a family restaurant that will specialize in the fish couscous that his ex-wife, Souad, prepares for the entire family every Sunday. “With sensitivity and grit, The Secret of the Grain celebrates the role food plays in family life and gets to the core of contemporary immigrant experience,” says Amazon. Available on Kanopy and Amazon. Discussion moderated by Gail Forman.

Please RSVP to Gail Forman at gailforman@comcast.net if you are planning to attend the meeting. Of course, last-minute drop-ins are always welcome.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3019868540

Past Events:

Bringing It to the Table 2025: A Day of Connection, Conversation, and Culinary Inspiration

On March 8, 2025, Les Dames d’Escoffier Washington, D.C. Regional Chapter proudly hosted its biennial symposium, Bringing It to the Table. The event brought together a vibrant community of food, beverage, and hospitality professionals for a day of learning, networking, and celebrating the impact women have had on the industry. Held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University, the symposium drew an engaged crowd of chefs, restaurateurs, writers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and food lovers from across the region.

The day featured thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive workshops—all led by the DMV’s most dynamic women in the industry. Topics ranged from the future of low- and no-alcohol beverages and bread making at home to navigating workforce challenges and advancing gut health. For the first time, the symposium included Table Talks over lunch—intimate, engaging conversations between attendees and speakers, paired with a menu crafted from original recipes by members of our chapter. 

This year also marked the debut of the Goody Solomon Plenary, honoring one of our chapter’s founding members, and featuring a powerful discussion on how women are transforming media, sustainability, restaurants, and advocacy in the DMV’s food landscape.

From the carefully curated sessions and generous swag bags full of culinary goodies to the energy in the room, Bringing It to the Table 2025 reflected the strength, expertise, and passion of our chapter and its commitment to supporting women in food, beverage, and hospitality.

Winter Potluck, Sunday, January 26

Many thanks to Debbie Moser for opening her home for our annual winter get-together, where we catch up over great food and conversation.

Dames Who Dine: Lambrusco Wine Tasting & Dinner at Corso Italian, January 2025

Twenty Les Dames DC members dined at Corso Italian, a woman-owned modern Italian restaurant and gourmet Italian market with a retro vibe in the heart of Shirlington. Owner Jill Erber, known as the “Cheese Lady” (she also owns Cheesetique in Del Ray) led us through a delicious tasting of three Lambrusco wines paired with cheeses, then shared apps and pasta.

Dames Volunteer Day at DC Central Kitchen, April 10, 2025

We’re excited to announce a special opportunity to volunteer together at The Klein Center at DC Central Kitchen on Thursday, April 10 from 9:00 AM — 12:00 PM. We’ll start with a tour of the facility, followed by hands-on food and meal prep. 

OPTIONAL:  Afterward, we can gather informally at The Point for lunch. 

Space is limited to 30 Dames, so RSVP soon!