Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is a worldwide society of women dedicated to creating a culture in the community that fosters excellence and promotes the achievement of women in culinary professions through educational and charitable activities. Atlanta Dames include chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, retailers, event planners, cookbook authors, food journalists and historians, winemakers and wine industry professionals, food publicists, culinary educators and hospitality executives.
 

The Atlanta Chapter is renowned for its well-loved annual fundraiser, Afternoon in the Country. Held each fall at Serenbe in Palmetto, Georgia, this food and wine extravaganza features more than 80 regional chefs, fine wines and micro-brews, a one-of-a-kind cake raffle, an expanded silent auction, live music, hayrides and more. Proceeds from the event benefit the Atlanta Chapter's scholarship fund and the Georgia farming community.
 

Our 2013 Afternoon in the Country will be held on Sunday, November 3th at the Inn at Serenbe from 1pm to 4pm. Your ticket to Afternoon in the Country includes 3 hours of…

• Exquisite tastings from 90+ of Atlanta's best chefs, restaurants, caterers, retailers, wineries,
  distributors and breweries at one of the most prestigious and elite food and wine events of the year
   
• Live Bluegrass music from one of the country's best Bluegrass bands, Drivetrain
   
• Access to incredible items in a huge silent auction
   
• Opportunities to win pastry art from the area's best pastry chefs at the Famous Cake Raffle
   
• Fresh country air, fun and kids activities including hayrides
   
• Supporting Georgia's Organic farming community and the scholarship fund for Women in the Culinary, Beverage and Hospitality Art 

Nationally, each Les Dames Chapter conducts fundraising projects and awards scholarships to women in culinary, beverage and hospitality industries. To date, the 26 Chapters around the US, Canada and Australia have collectively awarded more than $2 million in culinary scholarships.