SWEET HOME Is….

Les Dames d’Escoffier International Annual Conference CHICAGO

October 14 – 17, 2004 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT:

“There Is Nothing Like A Dame…Nothing In The World.” Those words, courtesy of Oscar Hammerstein refer to fabulous women, such as members of Les Dames d’ Escoffier. I attended my first Dames meeting twelve years ago in Seattle. Since that meeting in 1992, I’ve attended our annual conferences in Boston, Vancouver BC, New York, Washington DC, San Antonio and again in Seattle. It has been great fun to witness the evolution of our annual confer- ences. That first meeting in Seattle was small and most of the attendees were delegates. Our meeting last year in Seattle was attended by almost 150 Dames. Some were delegates, but most of them were there to renew or make new friend- ships with our extraordinary members. We are a very unique group: a world- wide society of professional women of high achievement in the fields of food, beverage and hospitality. Our annual conference is the one opportunity for you to meet Dames from all of our 23 (soon to be 25) chapters. The other reasons to attend the annual conference are to learn and to experi- ence the local color of the host chapter’s community. The Chicago chapter is planning a wonderful conference, chock-full of special events, seminars and great opportunities to learn about Chicago and the Midwest. It will be a per- fect extended weekend trip. Plan to put it on your “must attend” list. I look forward to seeing you there.

Gretchen Mather Letter from Chicago Dames:

Sweet Home Chicago Is…a city that welcomes you! All of the 90 Chicago Dames are delighted that you will be coming to our city, home of divine foods, world-renowned chefs, 76 ethnic neighborhoods, fine shopping, and an exciting array of great experiences. Your home for the weekend will be just steps from the Magnificent Mile. When you are not involved in Les Dames events, go shopping, get a massage, enjoy a steak, take in all of the tourist must-see sites…they are right at your doorstep. The committee has worked to make your stay memorable with music and food from our past and our present. Enjoyment begins with the host hotel, the Millennium Knickerbocker, which was once the home to the famous (and infamous) Playboy empire, and currently offers over 50 martinis at its lobby bar. We’ll be meeting and eating in its fabulous Crystal Ballroom where it is easy to imagine ghosts from the past wining, dining and dancing the night away. Our keynote speaker, Bill Kurtis, is a man you will recognize from his years on television. Here, we Judith Dunbar Hines also know him as the man who has a vision for his personal legacy by saving a small town from urban Conference Co-Chair over-development, raising environmental consciousness through his crops and cattle, and telling the world that there is, in fact, a way to live and leave the earth better than we found it. And, on Friday, you won’t want to miss the extraordinary M.F.K. Fisher Award luncheon as we celebrate the namesake of that award in a very personal way — by enjoying her favorite foods, pictures from her family album, and, to make it extra special, we will be joined by some of her family for the day. Of course, we’ll be including a variety of seminars filled with information you can use in your business and in your life. This includes a new pilot project: The chance to spend the day pre-conference with Dame Toni Allegra in an all-day life coaching workshop guaranteed to help you see the way to your personally fulfilling future. Saturday is being planned by the International Board to feature All Dames, All Day roundtables and face-to-face opportunities to make your chapter and the future of the Inter- national organization more viable and successful. Outside of the formal business agenda, we have taken every opportunity to fill your time with plenty Rita Gutekanst of fun and time to socialize, network, and enjoy each other as well as our city. Try to arrive in time for Conference Co-Chair the wonderful Thursday night dinner at Maxim’s, the exact replica of the one in Paris. During the 60’s, it was The Place to dine and dance in the true French Style. On Friday evening we will nibble on foods made famous in Chicago by its manufacturers and restaurants from the past to the present. And don’t forget to pack your most sparkly blue dress for a return to the 40’s at our Night at the Blue Note on Saturday night. We will be fed by the best chefs in Chicago, and we can guarantee this is the time you’ll definitely want to save room for dessert! You told us you wanted to “get out of the hotel”, so we have also made plans to do that…the Thursday and Saturday evening events will offer off-site venues worthy of a visit. And then there will be tours, arranged to give you a view of the city most people miss. Don’t miss the Thursday opportunity to go “backstage” at several multi-star and Dame-connected restaurants: The Ritz, Frontera Grill, Charlie Trotters and TRU will be on the menu. After the conference, stay a while on Sunday and choose to go to the Botanic Garden not only to see the beautiful fall foliage, but also to visit the Harvest Festival farmer’s market, Midwest Fruit Explorers Rose Kallas Show and the Lily Society Bulb sale. Or perhaps you’d rather take a trip to Mexico? We can’t wait to Chicago Chapter President take you to Pilsen, our Mexican neighborhood where you will visit bakeries, artwear, craft and jewelry stores, and the amazing Mexican Fine Arts Museum for its Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit. If you have a guest attending the conference, be sure to tell them about the very personalized Friday tour of Chicago’s loop and financial district which includes a lunch stop at The Berghoff for their famed schnitzel and brews. And if you discover you have a few hours free and still want to see more, please see the information on page 10 and consider booking a personal Chicago Greeter who will take you on a 2 to 4 hour walking tour customized to your interests…absolutely free! Yes, we are excited about the conference. We know it will be enlightening and informative, fun and delicious. And…..don’t forget: Sweet Home Chicago Is…..One Great City. We want you to see—and really experience —as much as you possibly can while you are here! See you soon – Rita Gutekanst and Judith Dunbar Hines – and the whole Chicago Host Committee AGENDA – Pre-Conference Activities

8:30 – 4:30 pm The Successful Professional (optional) Antonia (Toni) Allegra is Antonia Allegra, Career and Writing Coach a professional coach dedi- Tower Room cated to strengthening the LDEI launches a pilot program this year featuring a day-long educational food and wine industries session prior to the opening of the Annual Conference. The Successful Pro- one professional at a time. fessional is a dynamic, interactive workshop to be presented by Antonia She specializes in career Allegra, a career and writing coach dedicated to the food and wine indus- development and writing. tries. This intensive day, beginning at 8:30 and concluding at 4:30, will The Editor in Chief of bring focus to your culinary career, emphasizing how you can strengthen Vine Napa Valley maga- your work while planning for the future. zine, Toni is also a wine/food and travel writer. She directs the annual Symposium for Professional The morning session is titled, Nuts and Bolts of Your Career and will feature: Food Writers at The Greenbrier that she founded • Analyzing your career in 1989. She is the founder of the Culinary Coaches • Focusing Alliance (2002) and the Napa Valley Culinary Al- • What’s your value? What are you earning? liance (1989). A distinguished lecturer, Toni has • Setting up your company/corporation been featured internationally, as well as in her role • Liability and protection as wine country host on CBS/KPIX-TV “Evening • Paperwork and Record keeping Magazine” and Napa Valley “tipster” for KRON-

Thursday, October 14 Thursday, The afternoon session is titled, Deeper Issues of Your Career and will examine: TV “Bay Area Back Roads.” • Assessing your niche in the industry • Marketing ideas to improve your career and future • Thinking out of the box This full day of education is priced in addition to • Reinventing yourself for changing markets the conference registration fee, but is held in the • Negotiating Basics host hotel. The fee for this session is $125 and • Interviewing Basics includes a networking lunch. There is a maxi- • Wrap-up mum of 80 seats available. Likewise, 20 people must register for the event to avoid cancellation.

10:00 am – 5:00 pm 1:00 pm REGISTRATION & HOSPITALITY SUITE Open CHICAGO GREETERS will be available to take you on Duke of Wales Room, Mezzanine Level a personal and customized 2-hour walking tour of Chicago. Meet in the Hospitality Suite. 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Compliments of the Chicago Office of Tourism, Chicago OPTIONAL TOUR Departs Walton Entrance Greeters program. See page 10 for more information. KITCHEN SECRETS OF THE DAMES $90.00 (minimum 25/maximum 40) 6:00 pm “Peel Me A Grape” at Maxim’s (optional) Join Dame Patty Erd on this special behind the scenes tour. Maxim’s – the Nancy Goldberg International Center You will begin at TRU where pastry chef/partner Dame Gale 28 East Goethe Gand will meet you with something sweet and show you the Trolleys depart the Walton Entrance at 5:45 pm visual delights of her kitchen, as well as the amazing contempo- Limited to 100 • $90 per person rary art collection. Then visit the kitchen of The Ritz Carlton, Chicago where multi-award winning Dames Sarah Stegner and This cabaret evening, a Celebration of Supper and Song, begins with En Ming Hsu preside over the classic Dining Room. Lunch cocktails, and continues through a sit-down dinner and dessert in this will be at Frontera Grill, co-owned by Dame Deann Bayless, amazing red velvet Art Deco dining room, painstakingly modeled af- with a chance to tour that kitchen as well. And of course you ter it’s namesake in Paris. Throughout the evening, cabaret singers won’t want to miss touring the famed Charlie Trotter’s restau- entertain you with songs that echo the foods on your plate… It’s a rant and television studio with Dame Della Gossett. Finally, great way to get “in the mood” for your Conference experience. you will stop at Fox and Obel’s gourmet market and bakery, Catering services provided by Rita’s Catering & Event Planning. where Dames Meme Hopmeyer and Pamela Fitzgerald wel- Dress: Business Attire (French Designer couture also appropriate) come you to a shopping experience as well as afternoon tea. Members Only – No Guests

12:00 – 5:00 pm DAMES MARKETPLACE is open Mezzanine Level AGENDA

7:00 – 8:00 am 10:30 – noon YOGA SESSION or ESCORTED WALKING TOUR CONCURRENT SEMINARS (select one) Information available in the Hospitality Suite Urban Farmer’s Markets: A Work in Progress – Tower Room, 14th Floor 7:30 – 8:45 am CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST This presentation will take stock of the progress with Farmer’s Mar- Crystal Ballroom, 1st Floor kets in a Midwest urban setting and the acceptance for sustainable, locally grown products as seen from the perspective of Chicago’s 9:00 – 5:00 pm Green City Market – their current status and future as presented by REGISTRATION OPENS Chicago Dame Abby Mandel. In addition, a representative from HOSPITALITY SUITE is open City of Chicago Neighborhood Markets will discuss their unique Duke of Wales Room, Mezzanine formula of providing city dwellers with area-wide, multiple small markets. Joining the discussion with their own perspectives will be 9:00 – 5:00 pm organic grower David Cleverdon and Chef Bruce Sherman, who DAMES MARKETPLACE is open shops the markets each week. Mezzanine Marketing Wines in the New Millennium – 9:00 – 10:00 am featuring Chicago Dame Barbara Glunz Donovan who will discuss

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15 OCTOBER FRIDAY, KEYNOTE SPEAKER both large and small retail wine shop marketing approaches for in- Crystal Ballroom, 1st Floor creasing customer service & sales. She will be joined by Fred Koehler of Lynfred Winery in Illinois who will address marketing from the Bill Kurtis, television anchor and winery owner’s perspective; and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh of producer, Kurtis Productions Everest in Chicago who will talk about making a wine list & selling You know the voice…Bill Kurtis talked the wines to restaurant customers. talk in the media for 35 years. You may Moderator: Food & wine journalist Bill Rice. know the face…he has anchored local and network news, produced feature and cable documentaries you have watched. But you 12:30 – 2:00 pm may not know the man who has walked M.F.K. FISHER AWARDS LUNCHEON the walk…saving a small town in Kansas, Crystal Ballroom, 1st Floor

building a farm with sustainable practices, th Photo by Andrew Eccles To celebrate the 50 anniversary and the publication of a new edi- raising organic crops and cattle, working tion of The Art of Eating by M.F.K. Fisher, we offer a retrospective of with communities to save the earth for future generations. Bill her life including photos from the family album with commentary believes it is his duty…and ours…to leave behind a legacy to be supplied by MFK Biographer Dame Joan Reardon. Our very spe- proud of and enjoyed by future generations. Don’t miss this pre- cial guest will be Kennedy Friede Golden, M.F.K.’s daughter, who sentation. Bill is an incredibly engaging and inspiring speaker who will speak to us over lunch prepared by Dame Sarah Stegner. The has made a difference, and believes you should too. meal will feature locally grown organic foods; many of the recipes were M.F.K.’s favorites and mentioned in her books! AGENDA

3:15 – 3:30 pm 2:15 –3:15 pm Break CONCURRENT SEMINARS (select one) Recipes to Retail, The Real Story – 3:30 - 4:30 pm a Roundtable discussion with featured speakers who have been CONCURRENT SEMINARS (select one) down retail roads and survived. Chicago Dame and pastry diva Gale Gand will recount her trials and tribulations with launching The Diet Zeitgeist: Nutrition Experts Gale’s Root Beer and getting it to market. Gale will be joined by Weigh In on Facts and Fads – others for this panel discussion that promises to tell the real story! this meeting will feature two expert nutritionists: Chicago Dame Moderator: Dame Carol Haddix, author, and food editor of the Mary Abbott Hess, nutrition educator, consultant and author . - and St. Louis-based Dame Roberta Duyff, food & nutrition Exploring Your Career Options by consultant, author and spokesperson. They will debunk the diet Thinking Outside the Box – fads and present sound nutrition facts for achieving balance in Three speakers will present and discuss how they have succeeded good health while enjoying good eating. in the food, beverage and hospitality business by discarding tra- History of Cake Decorating – ditional business models and following their own creative instincts featuring Chicago Dame Nancy Siler, public relations director for launching and marketing their product and/or business skills. and spokesperson for Wilton School of Cake Decorating &

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15 OCTOBER FRIDAY, Palm Springs Dame Mary Clare Mulhall, owner of The Terra Confectionery Arts, this session will be a light-hearted voyage Cotta Inn, will talk about her novel concept for lodging & hospi- down sugar-lined lanes from the beginnings of cake decorating tality. Master Sommelier Belinda Chang, formerly of Charlie to the fantastic and complex cakes of today. This retrospective Trotter’s and currently restaurant manager and wine director for will be sure to fill your head with visions of sugar plums. Fifth Floor in San Francisco, will share her methods for breaking Midwestern Artisan Cheese Tasting – through the glass ceiling. Our food presenter, Chicago restaura- teur and Dame Debra Sharpe, will discuss catering & touring Jeff Babcock, cheese buyer for European Imports, will lead mem- with the stars. bers through a tasting of world-class, artisan cheeses from small Moderator: Dame Debra Crestoni. Midwestern producers, many of whom are Master Cheese Mak- ers and American Cheese Society award winners. There will be The Art of Chocolate – appropriate wine accompaniment. Limited to 60. will feature the much-in-demand chocolate expert, teacher, au- thor and spokesperson, Chicago Dame Elaine Gonzalez, in dem- onstration and lecture. This seminar is designed to make work- 6:00 – 7:30 pm ing with chocolate fun and creatively stimulating. The focus will THE CITY THAT COOKS be on a chic chocolate dessert, stunning chocolate gift-giving ideas, Reception and an assortment of chocolate table decorations for fall and winter Knickerbocker Ballroom entertaining. Everyone knows Chicago is famous for Hot Dogs and Pizza, but what about all of the other foods which originated in Chi- cago? Ever hear of CrackerJacks? What about Chicken Vesuvio and Italian Beef? We have everything from grande cuisine to candies and snacks to sample, along with historical references and food trivia games to offer tonight along with our own home- town Band at this walk-about reception. Dress: Casual (Blues Brothers shades optional)

7:30 SEE THE CITY THAT WORKS (optional event, $15 per person) Trolleys Depart from the Walton Street Entrance The fun immediately begins as we board the trolleys. Travel through some of the city’s downtown streets while guides from the Chicago Office of Tourism will be on hand to point out architectural, historical and natural sites that make our city justly famous worldwide.

AGENDA

7:00 – 8:00 am YOGA SESSION or ESCORTED WALKING TOUR Information Available in the Hospitality Suite

7:30 – 8:30 am CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Tower Room, 14th Floor All members are welcome. Special tables will be set aside so that chapter presidents can sit with other president’s in their region, along with their respective Director-at-Large.

ALL DAMES, ALL DAY PROGRAMS: The programming for this entire day is devoted to LDEI or- ganizational issues. Our traditional LDEI-specific sessions have been redesigned to be more encompassing of all members, not just chapter presidents or delegates.

8:30 -11:30 am Let’s Get Moving! Fabulous and Fun Ways to Inspire Membership Involvement

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 OCTOBER SATURDAY, This year, the incredibly successful Chapter President’s Re- treat, held since 2001, has been redesigned so all Dames at- tending the conference may attend and benefit from it. This will be a stimulating, interactive session led by Margery Miller, a professional development facilitator who has worked with the San Antonio Chapter and conducted a teleforum for LDEI in 2003 titled “Don’t Just Do It — Delegate It!” Topics to be covered include: how you can link members’ goals with the goals of the chapter; what you can learn about in- creasing the involvement of your members; inspiring chapter participation; learning to motivate others to lend a hand; meet- ing the challenge to grow membership; and keeping our chap- ters relevant to our members and our communities. In Les Dames, it’s teamwork that carries the day and forms lasting relationships, but skills involved in team building and people development that encourage accountability, responsi- bility, dignity and productivity are valid in ones chapter as well as in professional life.

9:00 am – 5:00 pm REGISTRATION & HOSPITALITY SUITE Open Duke of Wales Room, Mezzanine

9:00 am – 5:00 pm DAMES MARKETPLACE is open Mezzanine

AGENDA

11:30 – 1:15 pm PARTNER LUNCHEON Our luncheon today is presented by our LDEI partners and 6:00 – 10:00 pm designed to introduce you to the latest and greatest they have NIGHT AT THE BLUE NOTE to offer. Stop by each of the Buffet tables to learn about their Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center products, and take advantage of this chance to meet our spon- 77 East Washington sors and thank them face-to-face. Buses leave Walton Street Entrance beginning at 5:45 pm 1:30 – 2:00 pm Under the Tiffany Dome of the Preston Bradley Hall, we LDEI Business present La Nuit de Les Dames d’Escoffier. It’s a soiree fea- This session will feature an update on various LDEI-related turing Swanky Sounds, Sumptuous Foods, Serious Sipping issues of interest to the members. Included in this session will and Scintillating company. Six of Chicago’s outstanding male be a presentation about the website (ldei.org), and other orga- chefs begin the cocktail hour with their creative offerings, nizational issues. surrounded by a fabulous contemporary art exhibit. Then on to the 20-piece Big Band Orchestra to accompany our 2:00 – 3:30 pm own Dame Wendy Pashman’s spectacular dinner, culminat- LDEI Council of Delegates Meeting ing in the sweetest ending: Pastry Chefs, all Chicago Dames, Ina Pinkney, Judy Contino, Mary McMahon, En-Ming This is the annual business meeting, where delegates vote on Hsu, Elaine Gonzalez and Pamela Fitzpatrick will really organizational issues. All members are welcome, and encour- show their stuff! aged, to attend. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 OCTOBER SATURDAY, Dress: Nightclub attire – Something Blue and Sparkly is mandatory!

AGENDA

7:30 – 8:30 am YOGA SESSION or ESCORTED WALKING TOUR Information Available in the Hospitality Suite

9:00 am – noon DAMES MARKETPLACE is open Mezzanine Do your last minute shopping for books & souvenirs. Shipping can be arranged if your luggage is already packed.

8:00 – 11:00 am THE LAST HURRAH – FAREWELL JAZZ BREAKFAST Join us for a buffet brunch, good conversation, and Chicago Jazz. Pack a gift bag of edibles for your tour or trip home — Les Dames deserve better than airplane snacks! The farewell buffet is your last chance to say goodbye to new and old friends before you leave for city tours or travel.

10:30 – 3:00 pm OPTIONAL TOURS Buses will depart promptly from Walton Street Entrance

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 OCTOBER SUNDAY, CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDENS & HARVEST FESTIVAL If the frenzy of this dynamic convention has left you needing some relaxation, now is the time to enjoy a day in the countryside. We are known for dramatic weather year-round, but fall is the season to revel in the color of the changing season and this tour will offer that and more. The Chicago Botanic Gardens are 20 miles north of the city and contain 23 separate gardens, most of which you will see from a narrated tram tour. Then, still on the grounds of the Gardens, visit the annual Harvest Festival farmer’s market which features some of the highest quality handmade Midwestern products including cheese, jam, breads and fruits. Later you will be free to walk the grounds at leisure, stop at the café or ice cream shop for lunch, a snack or a glass a wine. While you are there, you may want to stop in at the Midwest Fruit Explorers Show and Sale or the Wisconsin/Illinois Lily Society Bulb Sale for things to take home with you. Dress: Casual, with good walking shoes • $30 per person, does not include lunch, guests invited (minimum 8/maximum 15)

PILSEN, CHICAGO’S MEXICAN NEIGHBORHOOD For devotees of Mexican culture and foods, this tour will be tanto diversion deliciosa! Disembark and you will imagine you have crossed the border as you tour businesses owned and run by transplanted entrepreneurs. We will visit as many places as time will allow, but count on an upscale Mexican bakery, a tortilla factory, a coffee house, an herbal pharmacy and a fabulous shop full of Mexican artwork and jewelry. Lunch is at Nuevo Leon, a real Mexican diner where the food is authentic and the atmosphere is colorful and festive….but nothing at all like Frontera Grill! The tour will culminate at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, the largest Mexican museum in the country….luckily our date coincides with their Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit. Dress: Casual, with good walking shoes • $40 per person, includes lunch, guests invited (minimum 8/maximum 15)

THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW

HOTEL AND CITY INFORMATION Visitors Centers are located at the Water Works (across the street from the His- toric Water Tower on Michigan Avenue at Pearson), and at the Chicago Cultural HOTEL: MILLENNIUM KNICKERBOCKER HOTEL Center, 77 East Randolph. Pick up maps and brochures on what is happening East Walton (1/2 block east of Michigan Avenue) around town or buy those take-home souvenirs. Hours are 10 am – 6 pm daily. Phone: 312.751.8100 Want a walking tour of the city? Chicago Greeters.com will welcome you, pair Sales office: 312.867.7500 you up with a native who will give you a one-on-one personalized walking tour…at FAX: 312.751.9205 no charge! Private citizens are Greeters, and conduct tours for over 20 destina- Contact: Tricia Dawes tions and neighborhoods, nearly 30 areas of interest and in a number of foreign Room Rate: $159 single or double languages. To schedule a walk during your stay, contact www.chicagogreeter.org and mention Les Dames or just say “Judith sent me” for special considerations. The Millennium Knickerbocker, with 350 lovely recently renovated rooms and 21 suites, is conveniently located at the north end of the Want a bus tour of the city? Check out Chicago neighborhood tours at 312.742.1190 Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) with the finest stores and bou- or check under www.cityofchicago.org/culturalaffairs/, for a Saturday all-day tour tiques just steps away. The Lobby Bar offers nearly 50 types of mar- of several city neighborhoods. Other bus tours available under www.877chicago.com. tinis, as well as the usual libations in a comfortable setting for meet- Want a boat tour? Check those available at Chicago Architecture Foundation at ing friends old and new. The restaurant Nix’s is also just off the www.architecture.org/tours or by calling 312.751.1380. Best to book ahead of Lobby. Or you may want to take proper afternoon tea right across time for the weekend, but kiosks are at Michigan and the River (south side) for the street at the venerable Drake Hotel. Great kitchenware store? walk-up information. Or order tickets through Ticketmaster by calling Two blocks away. Want to indulge in a pedicure or massage? The 312.902.1500 or online at www.ticketmaster.com/Illinois. concierge can arrange it, as Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door is next door. While you are in Chicago, it is Chicago Artists’ Month, a celebration of visual NOTE: When making reservations, be sure to mention Les arts all over the city. Contact 312.744.6630 or www.cityofchicago.org/ Dames. And be aware that this special price is only available on culturalaffairs/ for information on 120 exhibitions, open studio tours, demon- reservations made by 5:00 p.m., September 13. Make your ar- strations, workshops, panel discussions and other activities related to the 9th an- rangements early to avoid additional charges. nual Artists’ Month.

TRANSPORTATION: ARE YOU COMING IN EARLY or STAYING AFTER Both O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport are served THE CONFERENCE? by most airlines. O’Hare is approximately 30 miles west/northwest Named by Alice Waters as “the best sustainable effort in the country,” The Green of the city and taxi service will cost approximately $25 to 35 City Market is held each Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., in Lincoln dollars. Midway is 12 miles south of the city center and taxi rates Park, near the Chicago Historical Society and features 35 sustainable vendors, will be approximately $20 to the hotel. fabulous foods to taste and buy. CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) subway trains are available from Masterminded by Dame Abby Mandel, she encourages you to “come in time for both airports to The Loop (Chicago’s Downtown), and cost $1.75 Wednesday Market - we can have a great sustainable dialogue, there is always a chef one way. A short cab ride will then take you to your hotel. Maps and demo, and I am happy to tour members around the Market, ending at Big Shoul- CTA information are available at both airports, or contact ders Café in the Historical Society, where they feature CGCM foods on Wednes- 1.888.YOUR.CTA, 312.836.7000, or www.transitchicago.com. days.” Market is located at 1750 North , 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a Chef Rental car desks are available at each airport, along with driving in- demo at 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact Abby at 847.835.3097. structions. Parking rates at the hotel are $35 overnight. On Sunday you may wish to stay for the day to participate in the Chicago Wine Airport Express service (shared ride vans) is available at the airport to and Food Festival taking place at Kendall College, 900 North Northbranch in take you to the door of the hotel. Chicago from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dame Reysa Samuels and the entire crew of Sam’s Wines and Spirits will be hosting a showcase of chefs, winemakers, farm- ers, and all kinds of pleasures of the palate all day long, including cooking demon- strations, tastings, and speakers. Admission: $85 For more information, contact The Les Dames d’Escoffier Reysa at 312.867.3296 or see the website www.cwff.net International Conference October 13-17, 2004 WHAT’S THE WEATHER? $2.00 OFF from the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel to Chicago is known for its weather extremes, but October is the most beautiful O’HARE and MIDWAY — Make your reservation in advance month of all. Plan on daily average temperatures in the 50’s (ranging from 42 to at www.airportexpress.com 63 degrees). We’ve requested Perfect Weather from the weather gods but frequent For service from airport to hotel, visit the Airport Express desk — follow and abrupt weather changes mean that bringing sweaters and a few summer clothes the signs for Ground Transportation. For service from hotel to airport, would be a good idea, and layers are appropriate for any occasion! please call 1-800-654-7871 the day before for pickup. Last minute reservations can be made on a space available basis.

O’Hare One Way - $21.00 *Midway One Way - $16.00* HAVE A PRODUCT FOR THE DAMES MARKETPLACE? O’Hare Round Trip - $39.00 *Midway Round Trip - $30.00*

FARES The Dames Marketplace will not only be selling typical Chicago and food-themed souvenirs, but also books and products of our members. If you have something Valid October 13-17, 2004 * Includes All Taxes you wish to sell in our shop, please contact Benjamin Dauer at 312.742.1537 or This coupon MUST be presented. [email protected] for complete information. He will send you a consign- ment agreement form, and make arrangements with you to handle the sale. Please understand that only items previously arranged prior to the week of October 10 SEEING THE CITY can be handled, and they cannot accept unannounced drop off items. Contact 1.877.CHICAGO or www.877chicago.com for complete The Shop at the Cultural Center has generously agreed to manage the shop and also tourist information provided by the Chicago Office of Tourism and to return a percentage of all profits from all sales in the Marketplace to LDEI, so the Chicago Convention and Travel Bureau. plan to do your gift shopping right on-site at the hotel. LDEI CHICAGO 2004 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Name Chapter Address City State ZIP Phone (home) (work) E-Mail

REGISTRATION Full registration includes all conference materials, meals and events scheduled Friday, Saturday, and Sunday except optional tours and the Thursday evening at Maxims. One day registration includes materials, meals and events for that day only (except optional tours). Cancellation policy: Full refund, less $50 processing fee if cancelled by October 1. No refund after October 1, 2004. ❑ $450 Full Registration if faxed or postmarked by September 5 ❑ $475 Full Registration if faxed or postmarked after September 5 ❑ $295 FRIDAY One day registration includes evening event but not optional tour ❑ $325 SATURDAY One day registration includes Night at the Blue Note event ❑ $90 THURSDAY evening at Maxim’s (limited to members only, no guests) ❑ $40 SPOUSE/GUEST DAY, Friday Includes private walking tour of Chicago Loop including historical and architectural sites and the financial district –Includes lunch at The Berghoff, Chicago’s grand old German restaurant holding Chicago Liquor License #1 !

OPTIONAL TOURS: ❑ $90 Thursday Kitchen Secrets of Chicago Dames ❑ $15 Friday - See the City that Works: Tickets will also be available on-site at Hospitality Suite ❑ $30 Sunday - Chicago Botanical Gardens ❑ $40 Sunday - Pilsen Neighborhood Tour

OPTIONAL PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOP ❑ $125 Career Coaching Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm

TOTAL DUE ❑ Check Enclosed – Make payable to: LDEI ❑ Mastercard ❑ VISA ❑ American Express

Account # Expiration Signature:

CONCURRENT SEMINARS Friday October 17, select one in each time period: SEND REGISTRATION: 10:30 ❑ Urban Farmer’s Market By Mail: By Fax: ❑ Marketing Wines for the New Millennium Greg Jewell Greg Jewell 2:15 ❑ Recipes to Retail LDEI 502/456-1821 ❑ Exploring Career Options P O Box 4961 ❑ Art of Chocolate Louisville KY 40204 3:30 ❑ Diet Zeitgeist If you require special accommodations to participate fully, please ❑ History of Cake Decorating attach a written statement of your needs. The hotel is fully ADA ❑ Midwestern Artisan Cheese accessible, but we need advance notice for off-site locations and transportation. Further questions? Contact Greg Jewell [email protected] www.ldei.org PRESORTED FIRST CLASS Les Dames d’Escoffier International U S POSTAGE P O Box 4961 PAID NEW ALBANY IN Louisville KY 40204 PERMIT #62