On Thursday, March 5, Les Dames d’Escoffier Dallas will honor International Women’s Day with its signature celebration, Fiesta Della Donna, hosted at Eataly at NorthPark Center. The evening is both a tribute and a mission-driven fundraiser, spotlighting the women shaping North Texas’ culinary landscape while raising scholarship funds for future industry leaders.
Les Dames d’Escoffier Dallas is part of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing women in food, fine beverage, and hospitality. The Dallas chapter, formed in 1984 as one of the founding five chapters, has long championed education and mentorship. Fiesta Della Donna stands as its largest annual fundraiser, directly supporting scholarships for students across the region.
Guests at this year’s event will enjoy tastings from a dozen accomplished female chefs, each presenting thoughtfully crafted bites paired with wine. The lineup reflects the breadth of talent in North Texas: Chef Mallorey Atkins of Farm to Belly; Chef Meika Johnson of Chef MiMi J LLC; Chef Bonnie Norman of the University of North Texas; Chef Meredith Otte of Fare & Table; Chef Deb Oxman of Savor Culinary Services; Chef Nikky Phinyawatana of Asian Mint; Chef Tida Pichakron of Haute Sweets Patisserie; Chef Aurora Rodriguez of Snap BBQ; and Chef Andrea Shackelford of Harvest at the Masonic. Their collective expertise spans global flavors, refined pastry, modern barbecue, and hospitality leadership.
In addition to culinary tastings, attendees may participate in a whiskey and wine pull and bid in a silent auction. VIP tickets are $125 and include early admission at 6 p.m.; general admission tickets are $100. Proceeds ensure that the next generation of women in hospitality receives meaningful support, mentorship, and opportunity.
