Top Philly Chefs To Gather For Open-Air Dinner Celebrating Women In Food

PHILADELPHIA — More than two dozen Philadelphia-area chefs, bakers and restaurateurs will come together this month for an open-air dinner celebrating women in the culinary and hospitality industries.

Les Dames d'Escoffier Philadelphia will host its 2026 Outstanding in Her Field Heritage Dinner from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Glen Foerd Mansion (5001 Grant Ave.).

The communal dinner raises money for scholarships for women pursuing careers in the culinary field.

This year's honorees include acclaimed baker and "The Cake Bible" author Rose Levy Beranbaum; Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer of Canal House; and Michele Leff, founder of 12th Street Catering.

"Les Dames' Heritage Dinner focuses on our mission of uplifting women in the culinary and hospitality fields," said Les Dames Philadelphia Co-President Lynn Buono.

The family-style dinner will feature dishes from Joncarl Lachman of Winkel, 12th Street Catering Executive Chef Adam Delosso, Constellation Culinary Executive Chef Chris Nguyễn, Valerie Erwin, Baba's Brew Kombucha founder Olga Sorzano, Angie Brown and Rachel Klein of Miss Rachel's Pantry. Sweet Amalia Oysters will also provide a raw bar.

Dessert will include a Grand Cake Table honoring Beranbaum, with sweets from Frosted Fox Cake Shop, Night Kitchen, Isgro's, New June, Neo Bakes, 12th Street Catering and other regional bakeries and culinary organizations. Franklin Fountain will provide ice cream, while Eclat will bring a chocolate cart.

Proceeds support Les Dames d'Escoffier Philadelphia's scholarship programs for women pursuing careers in food, hospitality, beverage and agriculture.

Tickets start at $200. A $300 ticket includes preferred reserved seating, recognition in the event program and a personalized advance copy of Beranbaum's new memoir, "Ma Vie en Rose: My Sweet Life."

Tickets and more information are available at lesdamesphilly.org/events.