Les Dames d’Escoffier Birmingham Chapter Plans October Fundraiser

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, an organization of 70+ women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality arts, has scheduled its 2020 fundraiser for Sunday, October 18.

LDEI Birmingham usually hosts a big, in-person party called Southern Soirée, but this year’s fundraiser will look and feel different due to COVID-19 health concerns. Instead, the chapter is hosting Champagne & Fried Chicken, a drive-through, pick-up picnic dinner basket for two that will be filled with delicious food, a bottle of champagne, and some fun extras.

Pickup will be at The Market at Pepper Place28th St. and 2nd Ave. South between 2:30-5:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 and the menu includes:

• Southern Fried Chicken (vegetarian baskets will be available)
• New Potato Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs—prepared by Dame Kathy G. Mezrano of Kathy G & Co.
• Kale Salad with Snow’s Bend Organic Fall Vegetables and Dried Fruits—prepared by Dame Ashley McMakin of Ashley Mac’s using produce from Dame Margaret Ann Snow of Snow’s Bend Farm and Southern Organics
• Corn Muffins—prepared by Dame Brittany Cheatham, pastry chef of Satterfield’s
• Biscuits—prepared by Dame Jennifer Yarbrough of Crestline Bagel Co.
• Fresh pear and cheese
• French Sable Cookies—prepared by Dame Becky Satterfield of Satterfield’s and El ZunZún

Optional craft cocktails created by two of Birmingham’s premiere cocktail makers—Rachael Roberts of Atomic Lounge and Laura Newman of Queens Park— can be purchased as extra add-ons.

“This year’s fundraiser dinner again promises Southern fare with a French twist in a unique curbside experience,” said Dame Kathy G. Mezrano, president of the Birmingham LDEI chapter and chair of Champagne & Fried Chicken.

A virtual store of specialty items including art, books, a 3-day juice cleanse from Farm Bowl + Juice Co., virtual cooking classes and wine tastings and unique Dame-led experiences similar to what have been part of the fundraiser’s silent auctions in previous years are included. All items —including tickets — will be available for purchase online on Saturday, September 26 at 7 a.m.

Additionally, the first 100 cars in line to pick up their baskets will be treated to a bag of Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn, which specializes in crafting small-batch, artisan-style sweet and salty kettle popped corn. The company's owner, Tanesha Sims-Summers, received LDEI Birmingham's Entrepreneur Award two years ago.

A new feature this year is a raffle, offering two packages that each include 12 $100 gift cards from restaurants around the city, including OvenBird, Satterfield’s, El ZunZún, Gianmarco’s, The Bright Star, Hot and Hot Fish Club and more. Each ticket is $25.

The net proceeds will support LDEI. Since the scholarship and grant program began four years ago, nearly $60,000 has been awarded to women across the state pursuing a wide variety of food- and culinary-related careers. Those women include students attending four-year universities or community colleges, high school students involved in the ProStart program, and female entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses. Additionally, money is awarded to local non-profits making a difference in our community.