Overview of the Event

The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF) recently celebrated its Annual Awards Ceremony on April 28, 2025, hosted at The Civic Kitchen Cooking School. This event brought together community members to honor five extraordinary women who have significantly impacted the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors.

A Night of Celebration

Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere paired with a fresh, seasonal menu prepared by Market Hall Caterers. Additionally, a raffle raised funds for the Chapter’s philanthropic initiatives, featuring prizes such as tickets to SFMOMA, gourmet spice collections, delicious Fairytale Brownies, and renowned cookbooks from Dames Andrea Nguyen and Tanya Holland.

Awards and Recognition

This year’s award recipients exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication in their respective fields:

• Natasha House – Recipient of the L’Etoile d’Escoffier Culinary Scholarship, Natasha is known for her entrepreneurial endeavors as a personal chef and her commitment to culinary excellence while studying at City College of San Francisco.
• Ruby Pokras – Also awarded the L’Etoile d’Escoffier Culinary Scholarship, Ruby completed the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone and is currently pursuing her four-year degree at the University of Phoenix.
• Briana James – Honored with the Karola Saekel Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship, Briana is an Assistant Editor at Clarkson Potter and has written for publications like Edible East Bay and Eater.
• Eleana Hsu – Recognized for her innovative contributions as the Founder of Shared Cultures, Eleana focuses on sustainable food practices and modern fermented foods.
• Wafa Bahloul – The chef-owner of Kayma Algerian Eatery, Wafa brings authentic Algerian cuisine to San Francisco and is celebrated for her unique sweets.

Supporting Women in the Industry

Mary Gassen, chair of the Female Entrepreneur Grant & Mentorship Committee, shared her thoughts on the honorees, stating, “The caliber of this year’s winners is truly inspiring. Each of these women embodies the spirit of innovation, leadership, and excellence that we seek to champion throughout the Bay Area and beyond.”

Get Involved

LDEI-SF extends gratitude to its sponsors, members, and participants for their ongoing support. Contributions are welcomed to fund the 2025 awards and foster the next generation of women leaders in the culinary domain. For further details, visit this link.

Applications for membership in LDEI-SF are open until May 31, 2025. For more information on becoming a member, visit here.

About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is a global organization of women leaders dedicated to nurturing a supportive environment in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. With 2,500 members across 43 chapters, LDEI promotes leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropic efforts within their communities. For more information, please visit LDEI.org.