Valentina Harris, chef and author of more than 30 cookery books, has been named President of the first UK Les Dames d’Escoffier – the international organisation set up to help women in the food and wine industry.
It is the 28th organisation in the world and brings together an impressive group of senior women in the food industry in the UK, including Clare Blampied, MD of Sacla’ Italian foods, Karen Barnes editor of delicious magazine and Tilly Culme-Seymour, food editor of the Spectator.
Les Dames d’Escoffier aims to support women in the food industry by sharing knowledge, providing leadership and raising funds for further education opportunities. In the USA where the charity began more than three milliondollars has been raised, providing culinary scholarships, food service training for underprivileged women, culinary libraries, educational garden projects and children’s food programmes.
The UK chapter has been set up by Sue Carter who was a member of the LDEI in Texas. She says:
“I am immensely proud of having brought Les Dames d’Escoffier International to London, and am thrilled at the many talented and dynamic women who make up our membership. I am looking forward to our chapter making its presence known here and being a force for the betterment of women in all walks of the culinary, beverage and hospitality worlds.
“Professional kitchens can be daunting for many young women, as can the world of wholesale wine and spirits, both traditionally male-dominated. Les Dames d’Esc
offier London aims to mentor and support both emotionally and financially the young women wanting to pursue careers in these industries.”
Valentina Harris is very excited by her new appointment. She says:
“I am honoured and delighted to have been elected as president of the first European chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier, I am sure this will be a very powerful organisation that will help women to become even more successful and respected within all aspects of the food industry.”
Members of the LDEI must have five years senior experience in the food industry from chefs and restaurateurs to dieticians, manufacturers and journalists.
The namesake of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Auguste Escoffier (1846–1935) is recognised as one of the most innovative chefs in history. He revolutionised and modernised the kitchen and menus, he organised programmes to help feed the hungry and financially assisted retired chefs. LDEI members illustrate and reflect the philanthropy, exceptional standards and accomplishments of Escoffier.
For more information please visit the website www.ldei.com.