If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a powerhouse group of food and hospitality professionals turns their talents toward philanthropy, look no further than the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. With just the clink of a Champagne flute and the irresistible crunch of a fried chicken thigh, these women have quietly—and deliciously—raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars since their inception.
For the uninitiated, Les Dames d’Escoffier is an international nonprofit organization of women in food, wine, and hospitality whose mission is to mentor and support others in those fields. The Birmingham LDEI chapter awards a number of entrepreneurial grants and educational scholarships each spring, with funds raised from their must-attend fall fundraiser, the Champagne & Fried Chicken Picnic.
What started as a humble gathering at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in 2017 gained real momentum during the pandemic when the event pivoted to a drive-through model on the streets surrounding Pepper Place. That shift not only broadened its reach but also gave the Dames space to dream bigger.
This year’s event, scheduled for Sunday, October 19th, will still feature that drive-through model for supporters wanting to grab-and-go. But guests are also invited to park their cars, settle in at picnic tables, enjoy live music, and have their flutes refilled all in the name of supporting the next generation of female chefs, food writers, caterers, photographers, stylists, sommeliers, and restaurateurs.
And the menu? It’s just as stellar as the women producing it. Rounding out the fried chicken, the picnic includes a vegetarian Tomato Pie option from Tre Luna, a Fall Root Vegetable Salad with Lemon Walnut Vinaigrette from Sorelle, Crudités with Dill Ranch from Feast BHM, Watermelon ‘Carpaccio’ with Shallot Vinaigrette and Feta from Bitty’s Living Kitchen, Pimento Cheese and Crackers from Ashley Mac’s, Fire Chex Mix from Tina’s Market, Bronnie’s Brittle, and a French Chocolate Cake from Telia Johnson Cakes. Pardis Stitt has worked with International Wines to secure an incredible Champagne Veuve Doussot Brut Selection. In addition, a number of signature cocktails will be available, curated by Sol Y Luna, Sloan’s, and FoodBar.
Champagne & Fried Chicken Picnic 2025
October 19, 2025 // 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. // Pepper Place
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How Dames Entertain at Home
Whether personally or professionally, this group of women know how to entertain and have a good time. Here are some of their best tips:
“I always have something on hand that I can serve when an impromptu get-together happens—some great cheeses, some smoked trout, nice crackers.” – Leigh Sloss-Corra, LDEI Birmingham past president and Executive Director of The Market at Pepper Place
“When I host at home, I’m thoughtful about who I invite. I love bringing together people who may not know each other but share common interests or could really hit it off. That kind of compatibility makes the night flow effortlessly, and it’s so fun to watch new connections spark and grow even after the party’s over.” – Gia McCollister, Fork Voyager
“I always have a playlist going before the first guests arrive. The right music helps set the tone for the whole night.” – Lindsey Noto King, Feast Birmingham
“My advice is to not overdo it so you can enjoy your guests. I always say to prepare as much as you can ahead of time so that you aren’t spending the whole evening in the kitchen.” – Anne Born, Certified Spirits Specialist (ret.)
“If it looks like I didn’t lift a finger, then I’ve done it right. Great entertaining is part magic trick, part dance party—and always comes with good bubbles.” – Colleen Duffley, owner Andiamo Lodge
LDEI Birmingham
This year alone, LDEI Birmingham awarded a record-breaking $47,000 in scholarships and grants to women across Alabama pursuing careers in food, beverage, agriculture, and hospitality. That includes six scholarships of $4,000 each, three grants at $5,000, and one at $3,000—all painstakingly reviewed by a devoted team of Dames who volunteered to score a record number of applications. “We had an exceptional group of applicants this year,” says scholarships chair Anna Theoktisto.
The chapter’s giving has always been thoughtful and mission driven. One standout: a scholarship awarded in partnership with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, earmarked for a woman tackling food insecurity in her own neighborhood. Another $5,000 award is slated to be given this fall in collaboration with Fiesta, celebrating Alabama’s Hispanic community. Since that very first $1,000 grant to WE Community Gardens in Birmingham’s West End, the Dames have awarded 70 scholarships—including five to teachers—and 26 grants, several to nonprofits. ldeibirmingham.org
