Who We Are
Les Dames d’Escoffier is a world-wide 501(c)3 non-profit philanthropic society of professional women who are leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality. The Philadelphia Chapter is made up of a diverse group of chefs, winemakers, restaurateurs, writers, food artisans, and many other food professionals dedicated to giving back to their community. Our mission is to recognize and champion women in culinary fields and support the next generation through mentorship and scholarship.
Philadelphia Chapter Co-Presidents
Lynn Buono
Retired Owner, Founder and Chief Culinary Officer of Feast Your Eyes Catering for 43 years. Consultant and culinary teacher.
Jacqueline Peccina-Kelly
Chef Jacqueline Peccina-Kelly, AKA Chef Jacquie, is the founder of StrEATs of Philly Food Tours, a Michelin-recognized culinary tourism expert. She has helped locals and travelers explore Philadelphia's wonderfully diverse and culturally rich food scene since 2010.
Chef Jacquie’s love and appreciation of all things Italian originates from growing up near the Italian Market area and living in Italy for five years as a child.
Upon training at the prestigious Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, she worked in catering for a few years, where she learned the art of hospitality. She also taught cooking for 15 years, while also being an at-home mom, before starting her culinary food tour company. Combining her passion for the city and food, she has become a sought-after ambassador for locals and visitors who want to explore the food mecca of Philadelphia.
Chef Jacquie is Past Vice President of Les Dames d'Escoffier Philadelphia and is recognized as a local food historian and culinary expert in local publications.
Her chef-led food tours are a deep dive into Philadelphia food. Clients receive thorough visits to culinary landmarks with historical insights and an authentic taste of what makes Philly a world-class food city. Her enthusiasm and knowledge is unmatched. Foodies won't find more exciting tours of Philadelphia!
Interested in joining us?
Candidates for membership are professional women who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in professional and philanthropic capacities and who have been actively engaged full-time for a minimum of five (5) years in careers in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.
The Philadelphia Dames Chapter is comprised of women that are chefs, restaurant owners, caterers, dietitians, sommeliers, product developers, culinary instructors, food service managers, small business owners, farmers, lawyers, cookbook authors, winemakers, brewers, media spokespeople, food stylists, journalists and more! We all reside in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, or Northern Delaware
We are dedicated to educating the community and each other while supporting like-minded women professionals, providing scholarship, mentorship, and recognition among our members in the Philadelphia region and beyond. We are one of 44 chapters of Les Dames d’Escoffier International currently located in the United States, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Italy.
If you are interested in joining our group, please complete the membership application. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. We look forward to hearing from you!