LDEI PARTNERS (As of 6.15.09) SCHEDULE
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LDEI PRESIDENT'S WELCOME Bienvenue à Philadelphie! It’s time for Dames and guests to capture the spirit of Colonial America in the city where the Declaration of Independence was ratified - Philadelphia! We promise to uphold those historic American ideals and generate new ones during four full days packed with a mixture of the past, present and future. Experience the international flavors of Philadelphia with tours of Chinatown, the Japanese House and Garden, and Reading Terminal Market where you will taste and smell a whole world of spices and herbs. Inspiring, world-class education, cultural enrichment and learning experiences fulfill every taste and interest. Global flavors from India, America, France, England, Italy and Mexico are a few of the authentic menus pro- vided during our Dine Around of sister Dame restaurants. The Conference Committee, along with support from the Philadelphia Chapter and LDEI Board of Directors, has worked as a team to provide a bounty of rich, educa- tional programs along with a diverse selection of historic tours. Walk the cobble- stone streets, discover a new fusion of international flavors, and embrace the art, architecture, and museums that honor our American heritage. DIO Register today and schedule your flight to Philadelphia. You will want to be a part U ST of this deliciously awesome event as the Dames make history by returning to the city that hosted the first LDEI Conference in 1984. See you in Philly! PHOTOGRAPHY Warmest regards, RNOLD A ID V A D Suzanne Brown LDEI HOST CHAPTER WELCOME It is truly a pleasure to welcome everyone to our city and to a conference that is professionally enriching, exciting and meaningful. Since the conference was last held here in 1984, we have entered a new century and a new millennium. Nevertheless, one can see the mosaic of past and present here in Philadelphia. During the Philadelphia Conference Committee planning, several core values emerged. One of these was to ensure that attendees received value for their registrations. Another was that attendees would see Philadelphia through the eyes and experiences of local Dames. Therefore, we have endeavored to open doors, gates and venues for that to occur. A third core value was innovation. As the committee worked with the LDEI Board, we welcomed the risk to include some novel concepts which we hope you will enjoy. Lastly, our consistent and constant goal was to offer educationally rich sessions and events. We trust that you will recognize these values throughout your stay. For accommodations, we chose the Sofitel Philadelphia especially for you. It reflects so many of the characteristics of Les Dames d’Escoffier International and Dames: style; pride in providing exemplary and personal service, sophistication; cutting-edge conference planning philosophy, ambiance; intimacy and beauty. On behalf of the entire Philadelphia Chapter and its 83 members, welcome! Philadelphia LDEI Conference Co-Chairs, Dottie Koteski and Anita Pignataro EVENT LOGISTICS Location hassle-free connection. Penn Center Suburban Station is The Sofitel Philadelphia, 120 South 17th Street, closer to the Sofitel than 30th Street Station. One way Philadelphia, PA 19103 fare is: $7, senior price is $1. (215) 569-8300. www.sofitel.com Philadelphia taxis charge a flat rate of $25 for travel The Sofitel Philadelphia hotel blends French elegance between Center City and the airport. SuperShuttle service with American style, providing a refined environment is available for $10.50 each way. PHL is served by all major for upscale business and leisure travel. Experience this domestic carriers and is a major hub for US Airways. sophisticated downtown Philadelphia hotel that serves as the cornerstone of the new French Quarter just steps from Philadelphia is served by Amtrak, which operates rail Rittenhouse Square. Offering the height of contemporary service along the Northeast Corridor from Boston to comfort and convenience, this downtown hotel provides Washington and other major cities in the United States the ideal setting just minutes from historical attractions and Canada. Amtrak’s 30th Street Station is minutes from and Philadelphia sites and scenes. the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Center City hotels. Local train service is provided by SEPTA, which also connects to NJ Transit trains in Trenton, New Jersey, en Room Rates and Reservations route to New York. The LDEI conference rate is $210 per night, single/double occupancy. There is a 14% tax on all rooms. Reservations Amtrak.com (800) USA-RAIL SEPTA (215) 580-7800 may be made by calling the hotel at (215) 569-8300. The conference rate is NOT available online. Weather and Attire The cut-off date is Wednesday, September 9, 2009. Fall is the perfect time to be in Philadelphia. The crisp, Reservation requests received after the cut-off date will cool temperatures - from the mid 50’s to low 70’s - are be accepted at the sole discretion of Sofitel Philadelphia on particularly conducive to walking tours, where the ghosts a space and rate availability basis. If the LDEI rate is not of Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin are often seen near available after the cut-off date, the prevailing rates will the steps of Independence Hall. October is one of the apply for any confirmed reservations. three months with the least amount of rain. Lightweight fall clothing is suitable. A jacket, wrap, blazer, sweater, Transportation light coat or shawl is recommended for evenings, nights Philadelphia International Airport is just seven miles from and lower day temperatures. Casual business attired is Center City. SEPTA’s Regional Rail Line R1 train directly recommended for the sessions. Cocktail attire is suggested links the airport to Philadelphia’s downtown for a fast, for the Grande Dame Award Reception and Dinner. LDEI PARTNERS (as of 6.15.09) SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Board of Directors Dinner THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 PRE-CONFERENCE OPTIONAL TOURS 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Optional Tour #1: Tour Peter’s Chocolate Factory, Mt Joy, PA This exclusive and exceptional tour is offered by LDEI Partner, Peter’s Chocolate. En route, Chicago Dame Elaine González, Chocolate Artist, will discuss the birth of cacao and answer questions about chocolate. Because safety and sanitary precautions must be observed, attend- ees must suit up with protective dress coverings before touring the factory from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. Lunch will follow at Café Chocolate in quaint Lititz, PA, compliments of Peter’s Chocolate. Any person who is employed by, or has an association with, competitive chocolate com- panies may not take the tour. Depart Sofitel at 7:30 a.m. Return ap- proximately 4:30 p.m. Cost; $85 (includes a boxed breakfast with hot beverages, bottled water, and lunch). Limited to 14 people. 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Optional Tour #2: Winterthur Gardens and Estate Spend the day at the estate of Henry Francis DuPont, which is the greatest example of an American Country Estate in the nation. Visit the exhibitor gallery that features portraits of the 18th and 19th centuries; enjoy a guided tour of the fine dining and entertainment rooms. You will be fascinated with the special lecture about the Campbell Soup Company’s Tureen Collection in its glass enclosed home. This comprehensive visit to the estate includes a tour of the gardens on foot and a 25-minute narrated tram ride through the gardens of Winterthur. Registration and Hospitality Suite - Depart Sofitel at 11 a.m. Return 4:30 p.m. Approximately a 45 minute ride. Bottled water provided. Lunch: On your own in The Garden Biarritz Room, 2nd Floor Cafeteria or Cappuccino Café. Cost: $60. (not including lunch). Limited to 14 people. Wednesday, September 30 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday, October 1 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Optional Tour #3: Wok N’ Walk Tour of Chinatown Friday, October 2 7:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. with Master Chef Joseph Poon Saturday, October 3 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Take an insider’s tour of the vibrant Chinatown community and learn its history, culture and food. Included are a Chinese vegetable carving lesson and a walking tour of Chef Poon’s community with stops at a Members Market Place in Alcove fortune cookie factory, Chinese herbal medicine shop, Chinese place Across from Biarritz Room of worship, Chinese bakery, Asian grocery store, and a fish market. Joseph Poon’s warmth and exuberance shone on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Friday, October 2 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Show,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and the TV Food Network. The New York Times stated, “In the last three decades, Joseph Poon has Saturday, October 3 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. risen from impoverished immigrant to national culinary fame.” A James Beard Foundation newsletter stated, “His story could be the script of Eileen Talanian & a Hollywood movie.” Meet at Joseph Poon’s, 1010 Cherry Street at 2:50 p.m. Approximately Jennifer Linder McGlinn, Co-Chairs a 20-minute walk OR a 5 to 10 minute cab ride (on your own from Sofitel). Tour concludes at 5 pm. Limited to 20 people. Cost: $35. SCHEDULE Sunday, October 4 Post-Conference Tour/Event $65; four course meal. Can accommodate 25 patrons. 306 Market St. www.forkrestaurant.com. Distance: 20-minute walk; 10 to 15- Optional Tour 4 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. # minute ride. DiBruno Brothers: Brunch and Cheese Program (3) The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. The original DiBruno Family cheese and Italian specialty shop can still Contemporary dining meets old world charm in all four bistros at be found in the Italian Market with its old world charm.