WINTER 2019 SEATTLE CONFERENCE ISSUE On the cover: Seattle Chapter. Front row, L to R: Jerilyn Brusseau, Cathy Conner, Catherine Hazen, Karen Binder, Sheri Wetherell, Jamie Peha, Patricia Gelles, Beverly Gruber, Lisa Nakamura, Pam Montgomery. Back row, L to R: Katherine Kehrli, Marcia Sisley- Berger, JoAnne Naganawa, Alison Leber (behind), Jane Morimoto, Kate Ruffing, Nancy Leson, Bridget Charters, Cynthia Nims, Cheri Bloom, Pascha Scott, Linda Augustine, Martha Marino, Anne Nisbet, Alice Gautsch Foreman, Naomi Kakiuchi. Right: Photo of Marion Nestle and Hayley Matson-Mathes: Lisa Stewart. Other photos: Susan Slack. FROM THE EDITOR Seattle Conference 2018— WINTER 2 O19 An Encore Performance “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Bravo, Seattle Chapter, for a Conference well done! The power IN THIS ISSUE of the encore is considerable. Flashback to 2003: Seattle’s first Conference “Gathering on the Rim,” was, by all reports, a terrific FEATURES success. When Abigail Kirsch (NY) and Rosemary Kowalski (San Antonio) tied for the Grande Dame Award, Renie Steves (Dallas) Pre-Conference Tours and Pat Mozersky (San Antonio) issued a bon mot, “doubling your 6 pleasure and doubling your fun!” Over 1,000 Dames belonged to 23 chapters, which included Adelaide, Australia, and an association 11 Leadership Meeting with Le Donne Del Vino—women in Italian wine. (There are cur- rently 42 chapters and a membership of over 2,200 strong.) 12 Salishly Delicious In an encore performance, Seattle brilliantly hosted its second inter- national Conference, “Grey Skies, Bright Ideas,” October 11-14, 2018. M.F.K. Fisher Awards Over 300 registrants attended educational sessions, tours, and saw 13 product displays from LDEI partners who lead in food and beverage industries. We celebrated women who merited awards, and explored Se- 14 Concurrent Sessions attle’s rich, multicultural history that benefits local culture and cuisine. During post-conference tours, Dames learned about Eastern 18 Partners' Showcase Luncheon Washington wines and the character and striking diversity of Vancouver’s market scene. Judy Rusignuolo (D.C.) says, “Our BC 22 Global Culinary Initiative Breakfast Dames could not have been more welcoming and generous, sharing their professionalism and diverse culinary expertise with enthu- siastic Dames from many chapters. The action-packed, two-day Grande Dame Award 23 journey was thoroughly delightful!" The Conference garnered many accolades. First-time attendee, Edin- 25 Legacy Awards Luncheon burgh-based Fiona Richmond (London) comments, “Most striking was the warmth, friendliness, and openness of fellow members and 26 Under the Big Top a strong sense of everyone working together for the common good. The…mutual respect, willingness to share ideas and support the Post-Conference Tours reverence for luminaries such as Carol Brock;…together, we must 27 keep moving forward, adapting, and staying relevant to the world we live in today.” First-timer Jen Kulick, Charleston’s president, DEPARTMENTS adds, “I attended a seminar on communication and management skills that was really eye opening, and I came away with a new skill.” Lisa Nakamura Chapter Programs Seattle President shares, “We feasted on oysters, were 28 tickled pink by rosé, found our common visions through appreciative inquiry, and affirmed what we know—that food changes lives.” 35 Green Tables Women are hardwired to connect and according to research, they are “collegiate, collaborative, and inclusive.” If you haven’t attended 36 Member Milestones Conference, this issue will inspire you to understand the possibili- ties when Dames connect.” Lisa sums it up best, “Grey skies, bright idea + the power of Dames truly equals unstoppable.” 39 Submission Guidelines —Susan Fuller Slack, Editor, Winter Quarterly 2 Les Dames d’Escoffier International PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2019 LDEI BOARD OF DIRECTORS The mission of the LDEI Board is to foster the growth and success of The Transformative Power of Connection the organization by supporting the development of new and existing chapters Ann Stratte (Washington, D.C.) and by implementing program initiatives. It provides leadership, guidance, “It was so wonderful to meet fellow Dames! As a education, connectivity, and effective caterer working night and day for so many years, I communication among LDEI members. never had a moment to attend the Conferences but President I plan to in the future. I am thrilled that a Chapter ANN STRATTE has opened in Paris, too! I am there often so will Lobster and Lox LLC 100 Severn Avenue, #506 reach out to their members on my next trip!” Annapolis, MD 21403-2622 —Dame Ann Kirsebom, British Columbia, (410) 903-2682 | [email protected] first-time LDEI Conference attendee First Vice President BEV SHAFFER I continue to bask in the afterglow of the Owner/COOK.WRITE.TRAVEL.REPEAT. Seattle Conference where a year of achievements Culinary Consultant | Recipe Development and awards were celebrated at LDEI’s Annual R&D | Food & Travel Writer 3433 Blake Road Meeting. We were treated to an extraordinary Seville, OH 44273 experience making both lifelong friends and (330) 441-2706 cherished memories. Thank you to Co-Chairs [email protected] Naomi Kakiuchi, Catherine Hazen, Cynthia Second Vice President Nims, and all the Seattle Dames for organizing DANIELLE WECKSLER Plateful Solutions this amazing event. The superb content provided 326 Bayview Drive from the Tours and Sessions links us to a myriad Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 of new ideas to ponder. (843) 647-9902 | [email protected] My first day as president Third Vice President BETH VLASICH PAV of LDEI, I connected with long-term, positive Owner/Chef, old and new friends on the impact on LDEI. Cooking by Design, LLC “Dames Do Canada” post- The opportunity 5606 Stage Stop Circle Austin, TX 78738 conference tour, hosted by the to spend time with (512) 431-8751 | [email protected] British Columbia Chapter. Dames from all Secretary Wining, dining, touring, and over the world is JENNIFER GOLDMAN sharing experiences made this truly the highlight Bal-Core Business Advisors north-of-the-border experience 6732 Vanderbilt St of my year, and Houston, TX 77005 very special, and we all left I can’t wait to (843) 224-0198 | [email protected] wanting more. celebrate again in Treasurer I look forward to joining more Nashville: Rhythm SHARON OLSON of you in a few weeks during & Roots, October Culinary Visions Panel 445 W. Erie Street, Suite 107 the third south-of-the-border 24-27. Come with Chicago, IL 60654 adventure, Flavors of Mexico, us next year and (312) 280-4573 | [email protected] in Oaxaca, March 6-9. The see for yourself! Chapter Board Liaisons incredible Mexico Chapter will I am so DREW FAULKNER Culinary Instructor make you feel more connected grateful to hold 7407 Honeywell Lane than ever to this beautiful area of the esteemed Bethesda, MD 20814-1019 their country. I encourage you to position of LDEI president and look forward Home/Office 301-986-8540 join in the adventure of a lifetime. to meeting with as many of you as possible [email protected] The growth of our international organization throughout the year. Thank you all for this STEPHANIE JAEGER Pear Tree Restaurant to 42 chapters and over 2,300 members gives tremendous opportunity. 1504 Appin Road us exponential opportunities to unite and make A final “thank you” to two women who were North Vancouver, BC V7J 2T5 an impact. It is incumbent on your LDEI instrumental in moving our organization forward (604) 299-2772 | [email protected] Board to continue to improve the means for our last year. Immediate Past President Hayley GINA BURCHENAL membership to communicate and collaborate Gina's Kitchen Matson-Mathes, thank you for your grace, 4036 Church Creek Point with one another. Stay tuned as we work to vision, and leadership. And to our founder Carol Largo, FL 33774 provide a platform intended to encourage Brock—you continue to be a role model and an (512) 658-0338 | [email protected] connection and interaction among members. inspiration to all of us every single day. Immediate Past President Much appreciation to our Quarterly editors, HAYLEY MATSON-MATHES Salut, Owner/Culinary Consultant Susan Slack and CiCi Williamson, and the Ann 2333 Kapiolani Boulevard #3516 many Dame contributors and photographers Honolulu, HI 96826 who made the winter issue so special. The stories (808) 941-9088 | [email protected] and photographs in these pages illustrate the Executive Director GREG JEWELL many layers of connection made at Conference. President, AEC Management Resources We are a diverse group of women who come Dames Ann Stratte and Carol Brock with P.O. Box 4961 together to build meaningful relationships that Carla Hall during the James Beard House dinner, Louisville, KY 40204 add value to these connections, and they create a “Carla Hall’s Soul Food.” (502) 456-1851 x1 | [email protected] WINTER QUARTERLY 2019 3 Thank You What an enormous honor it was for our Seattle Chapter to host this year’s LDEI Conference. We can’t thank enough all those who made the trip to be part of those few days. You all contributed to a dynamic energy of learning and engagement that was so rewarding to experience as your hosts. We hope there are some bright ideas lingering from your time in Seattle—a spark resulting from compelling workshops, inspiring speakers, and the powerhouse Dames you encountered while here. That and delicious memories of your time exploring the city. There is no replacement for the value of time spent in each other’s company. We look very forward to our next grand gathering in Nashville! Catherine Hazen, Naomi Kakiuchi, and Cynthia Nims Seattle Conference Co-Chairs Front Row, L-R: Seattle Conference Co-Chairs Catherine Hazen, Naomi Kakiuchi, and Cynthia Nims. Back Row L-R: 2019 Seattle President Lisa Nakamura, 2018 Past President Alison Leber, and Past President Jamie Peha.