Les Dames d'Escoffier South Florida

2023 EVENTS

Connecting like-minded industry professionals

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mar 23

5 PM-8PM 

2023

Olive Oil Tasting Masterclass and Aperitivo!

With master taster Nancy Ash from the Les Dames d'Escoffier - San Francisco chapter.


You will get familiar with the proper tasting techniques, learn to discern flavors and appreciate the quality of various olive oils. Come with questions!

The masterclass will be followed by a cordial gathering around a glass of Prosecco and selection of appetizers prepared exclusively for us by celebrity chef Paula Da Silva.

  • This event is open to non-members and to significant others.
  • $75 includes the masterclass, a glass of prosecco and appetizers.
  • Add an optional $10 for a chance to win 2 bottles of the latest harvest of award winning EVOO Piro, fresh from Tuscany.
  • RSVP by March 20th!

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Mar 30

6 PM

2023

TABLE TALKS WITH LES DAMES: Top 10 Food Trends of 2023 

Les Dames South Florida and The Specialty Food Association Trendspotters Discuss the Latest 10 Top Food Trends featuring Dame Marie-Charlotte Piro, Vice President of the South Florida Dames Chapter


Discover the latest food trends with Les Dames South Florida as they discuss the newest specialty food and beverage trends in more that 40 product categories with the Trendspotters from the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas. The Show had over 1,000 exhibitors featuring specialty foods and beverages from around the world.


Dame Marie-Charlotte Piro, Vice President of the South Florida Dames Chapter, is the host of the South Florida Dames Table Talk about products gaining prominence in the specialty food industry. She was an attendee at both the Summer and Winter Fancy Food Shows.


Dame Marie-Charlotte will discuss the 10 Top Trends from the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show with the Specialty Food Association’s top Trendspotters:  Denise Purcell, Vice President, Resource Development, Specialty Food Association; and V. Sheree Williams, Founder, the Global Food and Drink Initiative, and Editor and Publisher of  Cuisine Noir.


Together they’ll highlight the unexpected twists on classics, reconceived packaging options, better-for-you indulgences and comfort foods, global flavors, and the growing interest in sustainability and ethical production.


This is a virtual event open to the public. 

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PAST EVENTS 


MAR 5

5 PM 

2022

13th Annual Tour of Kitchens 2022

May 22

5 PM-7:30 PM 

2022

 BOOK SIGNING & CUBAN DINNER with Dame/Chef Patty Ruiz

Les Dames South Florida is hosting a 4-Course Cuban-Style Dinner Party and Book signing for Dame/Chef Patty Ruiz, celebrating the release of her new cookbook, The Essential Cuban Cookbook.
  • Art Book Room, Books & Books, Coral Gables
  • 4-Course Cuban-Style Dinner Party. Patty will be reading from her book &  personally sign her book for each person who purchases one.
  • Menu (All recipes are from Patty's book): Complimentary glass of wine; Appetizer: Camarones al Ajillo/Garlic Shrimp; Salad: Ensalada de Aguacate con Bero y Piña/Avocado, Pineapple and Watercress; Main: Ropa Vieja/Braised Shredded Beef; Side: Frijoles Negros/Cuban Black Beans and Rice; Dessert: Flan de Queso/Cream Cheese Flan; Cuban Coffee/Cafecito. 
  • Vegetarian Option: Main: Black beans and Rice, Avocados and Sweet Plantains

     2 OPTIONS: Dinner with or without purchasing the book.

  • $76.04 pp: includes dinner; service charge; Patty's Book $15; applicable taxes on book
  • $60.00 pp: includes dinner; service charge (no taxes if you are not purchasing the book).
  • RSVP to: [email protected].
  • RSVP is mandatory!

MAR 8

PM 

2022

 Piro olive oil tasting & light bite; Dame Marie-Charlotte Piro

Celebrating the US release of the Piro 2021 harvest

  • Special for Les Dames & other food industry professionals at her home in Miami Shores.
  • At the tasting you will meet the Piro production team, Marie-Charlotte's brother Romain, & Danile, their Master olive oil producer, who will be here from Tuscany.
  • International Women's Day is meant to uphold feminist values and celebrate womanhood to the fullest. It’s also an occasion to celebrate the great achievements of women & the meaningful contributions they’ve made to the world. 
  •  Preview YouTube video The Making of Piro.The Making of Piro

MAR 14

6 PM 

2022

Table Talks with Les Dames - South Florida Chapter

“How to Write a Cookbook and Get it Published” 

  • Cookbooks are no longer just a niche market! Hundreds are published each year, covering a variety of subjects. Maybe you’re a writer who’s a food lover, or a great cook who loves to write, or a food blogger looking for a book deal. Writing a cookbook can be very rewarding, but the world of cookbook publishing has changed, & it can be a daunting prospect. Our experts share what to expect.

In this Table Talk, four cookbook authors & experts will discuss how to write a cookbook & find a publisher. 

  • Dame Patty Ruiz of The Mad Table, a brand inspired & created to bring people together through food, is a recently published cookbook author. Dame Patty will tell you how to write that all-important book proposal & how to find a literary agent.
  • Dame Ingrid Gangestad, owner of St. Croix Culinary Consulting, LLC, will speak of her experience with cookbook writing  creating targeted food content, including recipes, menu development & reative writing for clients. She is known for creating recipes that are on-trend & that work.
  • Cathy Swanson Wheaton, Executive Editor behind the Betty Crocker & Pillsbury books for the past six years, will share her experiences in the corporate world of cookbook writing & publishing,  Topic include: what a larger publisher is looking for in terms of an author & subject, suggestions on getting started, tips on writing your proposal, elements of a cookbook, testing recipes & photography.
  • Dame Barbara Seelig Beyer (formerly Barbara Seelig-Brown), cookbook author & teacher, has a cooking show, Stress Free Cooking (on We Cook TV,  Cablevision, Roku streaming). She will delve into self-publishing then & now, freelance editors, photography, art, print on demand,  & writing for a health organization, such as American Diabetes Association (ADA) or The American Heart Association.
  • $20 donation - proceeds to benefit scholarships.

Check out ALL the fabulous Table Talks at www.tabletalkslesdames.com. 

Dames 

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FEB 19

11:30 AM 

2022

 FARMER'S MARKET TOUR & LUNCH

  • This Week we have a fun get-together and outdoor lunch! 
  • Dame Claire Tomlin is hosting a Farmers Market Lunch for Les Dames.
  • Las Olas Oceanside Farmers Market, 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • 11:30 AM Tour - 12:00 Lunch Outdoors
  • RSVP is a must so Claire knows how many to expect for table arrangements and seating. 
  • RSVP to [email protected]
  • Claire will be sending a list of vendors & menu items for lunch (fresh fruit & juices, cheeses, &  more.

Dames 

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FEB 10

5 PM 

2022

 ZOOM to NASSAU! COCKTAILS with KYLE

  • Learn about the delicious libations on the menu at Bon Vivants - the 1st true cocktail bar in the Bahamas dedicated solely to the art and history of the craft cocktail.
  • Kyle has conjured up the most amazing cocktail menu we've ever seen! 
  • Check out the website and cocktail menu here: https://bonvivantsbahamas.com
  • RSVP TO: [email protected]

Dames 

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JAN 31

5 PM 

2022

BEANS 101: ZOOM CLASS TAUGHT BY DAME ANDREA GRIFFITH 

  • Dame Andrea Griffith, Head Chef at Residences at Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo.

  • Dried beans, peas & lentils (aka legumes or pulses) are a vital food source & one of the world's oldest cultivated crops dating back 7,000+ yrs globally.

  • Program: New year tradition "Healthy, wealthy & wise";  Beans & Peas in S. Traditional Cooking; Hoppin’ John (a traditionally eaten in S. USA on New Year’s Day to bring prosperity in the New year). Dating back to the early 1800s, it is made with black-eyed peas (aka cow peas), rice, & meat (usually pork, in the form of bacon or ham). The meal can also include collard greens & corn bread; Bean Cookin': Preparing beans/nutrients, 

    Fresh vs. dried; Dictionary of Beans, Peas & Lentils: The origin of beans/famous bean varieties; famous bean dishes around the world.

Dames 

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FEB 7

4PM EST 

2022

BEANS TO BUSINESS: FOR THE LOVE OF CHOCOLATE

Hosted by LDEI & Guittard Chocolate Company

  • Dame Amy Guittard - Senior Director of Brand Marketing & 5th generation in the Guittard family business her great-great-grandfather started in 1868 - will share her passion for cocoa & chocolate. 
  • Dame Abigail Langlas - Chef / owner of Cake Works, instructor at Leeward Community College’s Culinary Arts Department, cake designer & pastry chef -will demo Mousse au Chocolat a L’Orange.
  • Dame Alexandra Leaf - Culinary educator & cookbook author with a specialty in chocolate & confectionery - will discuss the world of chocolate & focus on today’s trends & production methods.
  • Dame Kathryn Gordon - Chef-Instructor in the professional Pastry & Baking program at Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) NYC, cookbook author & co-founder of Food Startup Help - will demo a quick chocolate tempering technique, how to free-form pipe heart-shaped mendiants & decorate them with freeze-dried raspberries & strawberries, rose petals & gold leaf, in time for Valentine’s Day.
  • Recipes & Zoom link provided upon registration. 
  • $20 per peson; After registering, Guittard chocolate products will be offered at 15% off at guittard.com TO REGISTER: click here

Guest 

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MAR

 13-18

2022

FLAVORS OF MEXICO: 

Hosted by VALLE DE GUADELUPE MEXICO CHAPTER 

DEC 11

5 PM

2021

La Fête Des Lumières - A Potluck Holiday Celebration  

Hosted by South Florida Dame Denise Courshon

  • Every year, the people of Lyon, the world's gastronomic capital, celebrate La Fête Des Lumières - The Festival of Light from December 8-11
  • This annual celebration is renowned for its temporary light installations which light up the city for 4 magical evenings & reconnecting with a popular tradition dating back to 1852. 
  • The people of Lyon place lit candles on their window sills, a symbol of coming together in a spirit of solidarity. 
  • We will celebrate with the food of Lyon - everyone is to bring a dish
  • Courshon Residence - 6400 Pine Tree Dr. Circle, Miami Beach
  • Outdoor seating, Max 20 people, Proof of Vaccination required 
  • Link- La Fête Des Lumières in Lyon:

    https://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/en/page/story-behind-festival

    Link - Information on Lyonnais Gastronomy:

    https://www.expatica.com/fr/lifestyle/food-drink/lyon-gastronomy-476910/ - 

* RSVP required to attend!

Dames 

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DEC 10

DEC 11

DEC 12 

2021

KENDRA SCOTT Give Back Event to benefit LDEI

Hosted by Kendra Scott & Dame Joi Chevalier

  • Virtual Styling Session when guest co-host Dame Joi Chevalier joins Kendra Scott co-host Joy Saunders on Friday, December 10th from 8–9pm ET. 
  • On Saturday, December 11 & Sunday, December 12 shop in person with friends & fans of LDEI at 8 select Kendra Scott stores
  • Mention LDEI at checkout &  20% of the sale will benefit LDE
  • OR relax and shop at kendrascott.com & enter the code at checkout to benefit LDEI. 
  • All the information -  https://kendragivesbacktoldei.splashthat.com/
  • You can also support our new partner The Wine Group and save 15% on your order from Imagery Estate Winery (imagerywinery.com) or Benziger Family Winery (benziger.com) by entering code 15LDEI at checkout.

Dames 

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Nov 7

4 PM

2021

 Welcome BACK - 1st LIVE EVENT! Dinner at TUR Kitchen 

Hosted by South Florida Dame Karen Escalera

  • Les Dames South Florida are hosting a dinner to kick off our 1st in-person event
  • Sunday, November 7 at 5:00 PM with a special welcome-back cocktail at 4:00 PM. 
  • Tur Kitchen in Coral Gables - with a stylish outdoor setting.
  • Enjoy their novel menu that focuses on the Eastern Mediterranean - Turkey, Lebanon, & Israel - with their flavorful spices & different textures. They support local farms & fisheries.
  • Guests are Welcome
  • $95 per person - 3 course dinner & Welcome cocktail. (Wines by the glass),
  • 259 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables https://www.turkitchen.com
  • NOTE: Daylight Saving Time ends 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7th when the clock “falls back” 1 hour.

Dames 

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OCT

14-17 

2021

LDEI ANNUAL Conference in San Antonio - Livestream Events

  • At the LDEI Conference in San Antonio. LDEI has given all members the option to attend through Livestream Options in Central Daylight Time. For those who are not able to join the conference in San Antonio but would still like to take advantage of some of the education, LDEI is offering a live-streaming option through Vimeo. 
  • Friday/ Saturday keynote speakers & Friday/Saturday luncheon presentations will be offered via livestream. The Chapter Leadership Forum & Council of Delegates meeting will also be offered via livestream. 
  •  If you're a member, RSVP to Amy West at [email protected] for instructions.

OCT 14

5 PM

2021

 Cocktails & Conversation" 

Hosted by South Florida Dames Robyn Webb &  Stephanie Miskew

  • Join us for an intimate conversation with Dames Sheri Allen + Andrea Griffith.  
  • Sheri is a new member + Owner/Founder of Artisan Pairings by Sheri/Artisanal Touch Events. She will tell us all about many kinds of cheese, since she has several certifications on the subject - should brie amazing!
  • Andrea transferred from Savannah + is Executive Chef at Ocean Reef Residence Club in Key Largo, FL.  She will dish on what it's like to work as Exec Chef in an exclusive resort! 
  • Don't forget Patty's Cocktail of the Evening: French 75
  • Click RSVP button for the Zoom link & receive Patty's coveted cocktail recipe.

Dames 

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AUG 14 

 6:30

Dinner&

Hotel

2021

COCKTAILS & DINNER with an OVERNIGHT STAY

Hosted by Dame Juana Franklin  & Dame Andrea Griffith

  • EXPLORE OCEAN REEF RESIDENCES CLUB, KEY LARGO, FLORIDA

    Great news! Our 1st in-person event will be at the private Ocean Reef Club

  • 6:30 PM: Cocktails & tour of Residences7:00 PM: 3-Course Dinner - Chef's Choice by our new SF Dame, Chef Andrea Griffith, Executive Chef, Residences Club. Dame Andrea transferred to our South Florida chapter from the Savannah, GA chapter.
  • Price: $90 per person, inclusive of tax & gratuities. Cocktails & wine included.
  • RSVP: [email protected]; j[email protected]
  • Overnight Rate: $299 + $15 service charge + taxes = Total $350 per night, with Juana's sponsorship Ocean Reef is a private club, members only! Weekend Stay: Contact Reef Rentals, ask for Nicole at 305-367-4214 Or Reef reservations 305-367-2611.

Dames 

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JUL 1  

 5 PM

2021

DISCOVER THE PERFECT ITALIAN WHITE WINE FOR SUMMER!

Hosted by Wine Expert LYN FARMER!  

  • EXPLORE TUSCAN MAREMMA VERMENTINO WITH WINE EXPERT LYN FARMER!
  • First 15 to RSVP to attend this tasting event receive a complimentary bottle of Vermentino from Tuscany’s Maremma region - graciously donated by South Florida Dame Marina Nedic and Mariana Nedic, of I.E.E.M (International Event & Exhibition Management), an agency specializing in marketing, organizing, and managing wine events.
  • There is no better person to teach you about wine! Lyn is an explorer of wine, food, art, culture, and travel! He will take us through a tasting of five Vermentinos from the fascinating Tuscan province of Grosseto in the Maremma Toscano region, a vast area in the southern part of Tuscany that extends from the slopes of Mount Amiata to the Maremma coast, the Argentarion, and the island of Giglio. The history of wine in this area dates all the way back to the Etruscans.
  • The Consorzio Tutela Vini della Maremma Toscana was established recently in 2014 after receiving DOC designation, which means “designation of controlled origin,” so you may not be familiar with it. After this, you will be! Its aim is to promote the quality of the wines and ensure that the production methods set out in the standard are followed, as well as protecting the brand and supporting its members with regard to the regulations governing the sector.

  • RSVP: click link to the right for the Zoom link 


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JUN 26  

11 AM

2021

AWAKEN YOUR SENSES: AEGEAN ISLAND CUISINE

Hosted by South Florida Dames 

  • Imagine yourself sitting at a taverna at the water’s edge on a beautiful Greek Island.  Greece’s idyllic islands are home to some of the country’s most unique foods and wines. The cuisine of the Aegean Islands offers authentic ingredients that are part of the Greek tradition: easy, delicious, and healthy recipes, embodying environmental, physical and emotional well-being. 
  • Each Aegean island has its own particular cuisine, just as each island is distinct from the others. The islands have their own customs, dialect, and ingredients that are indigenous to its specific dishes.
  • Travel with Greek food and wine expert Lisa Stavropoulos, owner of Greek Grape Tours, on a culinary experience to learn more about the food and wine of some of Greece’s most beautiful and fascinating islands. 
  • Lisa has put together a wonderful visual and culinary tour of these islands for us: Santorini, Paros, Samos, Rhodes, Crete
  • Lisa develops and leads custom wine and food tours of Greece for enthusiasts and industry professionals. She has led tours to Greece for Sonoma State University’s Executive Wine MBS Program, the Napa Valley Wine Academy, and Women for WineSense. In 2019, she received an award for “Best Wine Tour” in Greece. Lisa is a marketing professional with an MBA and over 20 years of experience in consumer marketing in several industries, including wine and consumer packaged goods.
  • Special guest speakers Zooming in from the Greek Islands: Lefki Vardikou; Samos: the sweet wines of Samos and her winery, Nopera Wines; Aphrodite Dellaporta; Mykonos, head of the Mykonos Municipal Tourism Committee, and Project Manager for Promotional Activities at International Tourism Fairs: update on travel in Greece
  • Lisa and Dame Irene Moore will have a surprise for you at the end of the Zoom!
  • RSVP: click link to the right for the Zoom link

Dames 

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May 1  

6:30

PM

2021

Kentucky Derby Party & Fundraiser! A guaranteed good time for all!

Hosted by South Florida President Irene Moore & LDEI President Judy Hollis Jones 


  • Join us on Saturday, May 1 at 6:30 PM EST via ZOOM for an exciting event! 
  • We will begin with an overview of the historic Kentucky Derby as our South Florida President Irene Moore shares personal stories of this beloved annual Southern ritual.
  • We are honored to be then joined by our LDEI President Judy Hollis Jones.
    • Judy, who is not only a Kentuckian, but an expert in everything Bourbon, will...Tell us all about Mint Juleps - you just can't go to the Derby without trying one! Take us through the intriguing process of creating THE perfect Mint Julep. Regale us with humorous and insider tales. From there, it's a lively slide show all about Kentucky Derby history, fashion, & food.  You’ll receive one of the most beloved Derby recipes, world famous Kentucky Hot Brown, in advance,  so you can enjoy it with your Mint Julep as we watch the race together! Lastly, we will compare our bets while the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest winner is chosen!
  • $10 pp/Dames, $15 pp/guests (click links)  Zoom link & recipe.
  • To purchase a hat/fascinator: Amazon.com

    So mark your calendar for Saturday, May 1 at 6:30 PM! We'll see ya'll then! 

* This event is our 1st official fundraiser since our live events ceased. Our primary commitment as a chapter is to provide culinary scholarship to a young woman with wishes & dreams to enter into a career in the culinary world.  Please donate! 

Dames 

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APR 19  

5 PM

2021

Special Event! "Cocktails & Conversation" Tenacity through trying times!

Hosted by South Florida Dames Robyn Webb &  Stephanie Miskew

  • Join us for an intimate conversation with Dames Natalia Levey  & Nancy Radlauer
  • Chef and restauranteur Natalia, opened a gorgeous new Asian restaurant in Sarasota on Feb. 17, 2021. Kojo is Hi Hospitality Group’s 3rd Florida venue, joining Italian seafood restaurant Speaks Clam Bar and the upcoming Central Park St. Pete Food Hall.
  • Nancy, is Bailli/President of the Greater Miami Chapter of La Chaine des Rôtisseurs, Vice-Chair of National Chaine Foundation (which supports Young Chef/Young Somm Competitions & awards scholarships in culinary, oenology, & hospitality), & is the designer & "webmistress" of our website, www.LesDamesSouthFlorida.com
  • Don't forget Patty's Cocktail of the Evening, of course.
  • Click RSVP button for the Zoom link & receive Patty's coveted cocktail recipe.

Dames 

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APR 3  

11 AM

2021

Easter Brunch Celebration & Egg Strata Demo

Hosted by South Florida Dames Amy Sedeno & Patty Ruiz

  • Share in the joy of Easter in this special Zoom brunch to celebrate with Dame Amy Sedeno, who's about to deliver twins! Some of you already know Amy from her interview with Dame Robyn in "Cocktails and Conversation," but get to know her better now because soon the twins will take over her life!!
  • Dame Patty Ruiz will teach us how to make an Egg Strata, as well as brunch cocktails and mocktails. 
  • We'll talk about how the egg came to be the symbol for Easter in Christianity.
  • No fee for Dames, $10 for guests (click link) 
  • RSVP: [email protected] for the Zoom link & recipe

South Florida Dame Amy Sedeno is having twins!  Please donate toward a special gift for the new family.

Dames 

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March

5 PM

2021

Table Talks with Les Dames South Florida

Power Hour Digital Marketing Series with Ellen Marchman of Get Ink PR 


March 5 - Session 1 - What's Your Story - Build Your Most Effective Digital Footprint

  • Seminar will cover effective digital verbiage for bios, marketing blurbs, presentations & website profiles.
  • Focus: Who is your audience, How do your services benefit your audience, What makes you stand apart.
March 12 - Session 2 - Speaking Your Story - Build an Effective Content Creation Program

  • Seminar will cover Zoom training /etiquette, public speaking, building an effective content creation program.
  • Focus: Creative content to influence desired audiences, How to share your value, Effective digital platforms to publicize your craft.

March 19 - Session 3 - Distributing Your Story - How to Master Google

  • Seminar will cover building brand pages, keyword searches, conversion & the future of digital marketing.
  • Focus: Mastering multiple platforms within Google, Categories and search optimization.

Ellen Marchman has been a leader in corporate communications for 20+ years. She founded Get Ink PR in 2005, specializing in luxury hospitality, food & beverage, & wellness clientele, and teaches conscious communication & digital marketing courses nationwide.

  • Fee: $30 per session or RSVP in advance for ALL sessions & save 10% (3 sessions for $81)

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MAR 27  

11 AM

2021

Passover Celebration & Flourless Cake Demo 

Hosted by South Florida Dames Carole Kotkin & Susan Weinstein

  • Zoom cooking class with Miami Herald Culinary Columnist, Dame Carole Kotkin and her granddaughter, Julie Hirschhorn. Carole is also the Manager of the Carysfort Cooking School at the Ocean Reef Club. Many South Florida Dames have taken classes with her at the cooking school and loved them!

  • The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as her granddaughter Julie is also a Miami Herald columnist: Her column is "No Frills Kitchen". Her real job is with the Society of Human Resources in DC as Senior Specialist Media Relations.
  • Carole and Julie will discuss the history and culture of Passover, and teach us how to make a flourless chocolate cake. You don’t have to be Jewish to love this cake! 
  • Dame Susan Weinstein & her husband Jay will explain the Passover Seder Plate and say a prayer.
  • No fee for Dames, $10 for guests (click link) 
  • RSVP:  [email protected] for the Zoom link & recipe

Dames 

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FEB 25  

5 PM

2021

Special Event! "Cocktails & Conversation"

Hosted by South Florida Dames Robyn Webb &  Stephanie Miskew

  • Join us for an intimate conversation with Dames Ingrid Gangestad & Jacqui Pressinger 
  • And Patty's Cocktail of the Evening, of course!
  • Click RSVP button for the Zoom link & receive Patty's coveted cocktail recipe.

Dames 

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FEB 15  

5 PM

2021

Lundi Gras with the New Orleans Dames!   

A Virtual Lundi Gras & Mardi Gras Experience

  • We're teaming up with the New Orleans Dames to celebrate! 
  • New Orleans Dames Committee: Liz Williams, Beth d'Addono, Emily Shaya, & Dee Lavigne
  • South Florida Dames Committee: Julia Johnston & Denise Courshon Weisberg
  • Learn how to make Red Beans & Rice (the traditional Lundi Gras dish) & a special Mardi Gras cocktail
  • The first 10 to RSVP: First 10 will receive a Red Beans and Rice Recipe Booklet!
  • Guests are welcome: Guest fee: $10
  • RSVP for the Zoom link...

Dames 

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FEB 5  

5 PM

2021

That's Amore!  Celebrating Romance Italian Style for Valentine’s Day. 

A Virtual Tour of Italy & "La Dolce Vita" 

  • Tour Italy with travel specialist Elizabeth Montana to the country's most romantic destinations:

    ·Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence & Tuscan Wine Regions, Le Marche, Verona, Venice, Lake Como

  • Dream Italia, (dreamitalia.com)  features special boutique tours to Italy
  • South Florida Dames Barbara Beyer, Gina Natoli, and Angela Santarelli will give us the full Italian experience:
  • Barbara will demo Cacio e Pepe with Black Truffles & discuss the pastas & sauces of various regions in Italy
  • Gina will demo & share her Limoncello recipe from the Amalfi Coast
  • Angela will educate us on wines from each region that we visit
  • Guests are welcome to attend: Guest fee: $10
  • RSVP for the Zoom link...

Dames 

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FEB 5

11 AM

2021

"Zoom Around the World" Northern France Cooking Class

Hosted by South Florida Dame Marianne Lecron

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JAN 14  

5 PM

2021

Special Event! "Cocktails & Conversation" Synergy-themed insights!

Hosted by South Florida Dames Robyn Webb & Angela Santarelli

  • The theme is SYNERGY, with Dames Amy Sedeno and Patty Morrell Ruiz who have had a fascinating work relationship in the past. We look forward to hearing their stories of how they've worked together!
  • Interviewers Robyn  Angela will have a few surprises up their sleeve. 
  • Patty's Cocktail of the Evening is the Fig Bourbon Cider Smash!
  • Click RSVP button to attend & receive Patty's coveted cocktail recipe.

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JAN 8 

11 AM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" French Alps Cooking Class

Hosted by South Florida Dame Marianne Lecron

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JAN 3  

3 PM

2021

Special Event! Three Kings Day (La Fête des Rois) Zoom Celebration

A Commun​ity Outreach Supporting 5 of S. Florida's French Bakeries & Restaurants

  • Promoting smaller, independently-owned bakeries as the pandemic continues & owners fight to stay afloat.
  • 5 Venues: Maison Valentine (Miami Beach), M & V Café and Café Creme (N. Miami), Croissan’Time (Fort Lauderdale), Bakery of France (Boca Raton)

  • The celebratory Galette is a large round puff pastry resembling a pie with a glazed top, designed to resemble a crown. It is filled with a layer of fragipane, a sweet almond paste, and embedded with a bean or charm.
  • Participating bakeries often offer a gold paper crown for the person who finds the bean or charm in the cake and thus becomes the King or Queen for the Day. 
  • Our free virtual celebration will feature a history of the holiday and its customs. We will celebrate on Sunday so families can participate together with cake & traditional French cider or Champagne.
  • The cakes will be available for pickup and/or delivery (additional) with at least 24-48 hours advance notice.
  • Please commemorate the holiday with a donation to Les Dames South Florida Scholarship Fund!  Go to the our Facebook page or link Philanthropy to make a donation. The scholarship pays tuition to send a young woman who wants to join the culinary or hospitality industry to a university or culinary school. 

RSVP 

DEC 21

5 PM

2020

Special Event! "Cocktails & Conversation"

Hosted by South Florida Dames Stephanie Miskew & Robyn Webb 

  • Featured Dames: 
  • Karen Escalera, KWE Group founder and CEO and group founder of KWE Partners, a travel public relations and marketing firm, and blogger extraordinaire of the award winning blog, MiamiCurated. a top-ranked blog for up-to-date events and tips on where to dine and shop. 
  • Julia Johnston, our other interviewee, is an award-winning kitchen designer and owner of Kitchens for Cooking, whose sole purpose is to create better kitchens: more functional, better organized, and more beautiful. 
  • The featured Christmas Cocktail is a delicious holiday concoction created by Patty Ruiz, who graciously shared her festive recipe with us. The recipe, made with pomegranate and St. Germaine, a French liqueur made with fresh elderflowers, is attached, so we can open the session with cocktail in hand. So dust off your cocktail shaker and mix one up! This will be our last Zoom of the year, so let's make it a joyous holiday celebration! Kiss 2020 goodbye!

RSVP

DEC 19 

12 Noon

2020

Cooking Class with Greek Chef Argiro Barbarigou

Special dish: Chestnut Stew – Kastana Stifado (ΚΆΣΤΑΝΑ ΣΤΙΦΆΔΟ)

  • Turn on the TV nearly every morning in Greece and you'll be charmed by its favorite culinary star & “chef of the people,” Argiro Barbarigou. Known affectionately as the “First Lady of Greek Cuisine,” Chef Argiro has devoted her life’s work to sharing the secrets of authentic Greek cooking — modern and ancient — with loyalists and fans all over the world.
  • As Greece's culinary ambassador, she extolling the virtues of Greek cuisine & the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Chef Argiro designed a life, career and brand from the Greek kitchen, starting on her native Aegean island of Paros. 
  • Today that culinary journey culminates at her second wildly successful Papadakis restaurant, set at the foothills of Mt. Lycabettus in the heart of Athens. Celebrity fans like Jean Paul Gauthier, Carla Bruni and Pierce Brosnan have dined alongside the Greek power set and globetrotters. Many say they first came for Argiro’s signature cuisine, but they return for her authenticity and infectious personality. Her first U.S.restaurant venture, Alfa Pie House, a Greek pie bakery and cafe featuring traditional Greek country pies opened in Washington, D.C. Pre-Covid, it was a delicious showcase of Argiro's famous pies, from spanakopitato to portokalopita, and became a favorite lunchtime destination among Beltway professionals; even former President Obama is a fan!
  • She periodically publishes magazines and her Greek website argiro.gr enjoys millions of global visitors.
  • Two years ago Chef Argiro, who had heard about Les Dames d'Escoffier, reached out to Les Dames South Florida and invited us to participate alongside her team of Greek chefs in cooking a special dinner at the James Beard House, “Secrets of the Aegean, ”which announced the Southern Aegean as European Region of Gastronomy for 2019. Les Dames from the South Florida, Los Angeles, and New York chapters joined her. It was like a culinary U.N meeting! 

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DEC 11 

5 PM

2020

A “Juban” Hanukkah! A Fun Cook-Along

 Hosted by South Florida Dame Robyn Webb

  • Dame Robyn Webb will engage you in a completely hands-on interactive cooking experience. 
  • You don’t have to be Jewish or have even a remote interest in Hanukkah, all you need is a sense of fun!
  • Robyn, an award-winning cookbook author (with 17 cookbooks to her name!), former cooking school owner, and now a top guide for Miami Culinary Tours, will meld Jewish & Cuban cultures into one culinary extravaganza - “Juban” Cooking!
  • In this class you will learn • The history of the Jewish & Cuban communities in Miami and the many ways that they are similar; Step by step insider secrets to creating the very best potato pancakes; A thorough exploration & discussion about Cuban ingredients & how to use them in everyday dishes; Professional tips on how to shop & source ingredients; To create a dish to wow your friends and family.
  • As a twist, she’ll also instruct you on preparing classic Cuban Mojo Sauce to go with the latkes. There are secrets to make your latkes really shine, even if you’ve never made them before, and you’re going to learn tips tol guarantee they’re perfect.

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DEC 4

5 PM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" A Holiday Baking Class

Hosted by London Dame Miranda Gore Brown

  • Dame Miranda is returning to do a Zoom Holiday Baking Class with Les Dames South Florida!
  • Miranda achieved widespread acclaim as a finalist on the first series of BBC2’s The Great British Bake Off. 
  • She was highly praised for her home baking, which was described consistently as both delicious and beautiful.
  • Miranda made a great impression with her “signature bake” biscuits in the form of perfectly dainty decorated shoes, pretty dresses and stylish handbags. She was also featured in BBC2’s The Great British Wedding Cake.
  • Miranda is a member of The Guild of Food Writers: 1st book, BISCUIT (published 2012), features recipes for a tempting variety of biscuits (cookies in the U.S.); 2nd book Bake Me a Cake As Fast As You Can (August 2014).
  • Her blog of recipes and baking ideas has attracted a keen following. In 2018, Miranda became the Food Columnist for NFU Countryside Magazine. She has recently started The Kitchen School at her home in the heart of the West Sussex countryside. She lives with her husband and three small children in the pretty South Downs National Park.

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DEC 4 

11 AM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" Bordeaux Cooking Class

Hosted by South Florida Dame Marianne Lecron

  • Les Dames South Florida invite you to our French Zoom cooking show with Marianne Lecron and Thermomix.
  • The first Friday of every month we’ve been traveling with Marianne to explore a new region of France. This month we’re traveling to a beautiful part of France: Bordeaux!
  • Book your ticket for your trip to Bordeaux now! 

RSVP

NOV 18

5 PM

2020

Special Event! "Cocktails & Conversation"

Hosted by South Florida Dames Stephanie Miskew & Robyn Webb 

  • We will highlight two of our wonderful Dames: New member Dame Angela Santarelli and Dame Julia Johnston as they share the inspiring stories of their careers and how their participation in Les Dames d’Escoffier South Florida is making a significant professional and personal difference in their lives. 
  • To inaugurate this new special initiative, we will first start out with a spirited discussion of Nouveau Beaujolais Day and how it came about, led by our own Dame Alessandra Esteves, Co-Founder and Director of Wine Education, Florida Wine Academy, and owner of 305Wines.com. 
  • Then with a glass of Beaujolais in hand, settle in for two stimulating interviews with interviewer Robyn Webb, who will interview our two subjects, Dames Angela and Julia as they and we build relationships with one another.
  • Do not miss this! So come and support your fellow Dames - they have worked hard to create their interesting interviews that might just spur a new idea for your own professional and personal life. And after all, this is what Les Dames d’Escoffier South Florida is all about. 

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​NOV 13

5 PM

2020

Charcuterie & Cheese Tasting and Best Bets for the Holidays

Hosted by Brad Hedeman at Zingerman's

  • Brad Hedeman, superstar of the Mail Order Department at Zingerman's
  • Brad will show us how to create a charcuterie and cheese board for our holiday dinners, even though they might be smaller this year. 
  • Brad will take us through a tasting of the Charcuterie and Cheese Box from Zingerman's and talk about other best-bet boxes to order for your holiday gift giving. 

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NOV 6

11 AM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" Lyonnaise French Cooking Show with Thermomix

Hosted by Marianne Lecron

  • What if you could travel to France and explore a new region each first Friday of the month? 
  • Did you know that the French countryside has an extremely rich and diverse cuisine? Travel with Thermomix to taste the exclusive flavors of France! 
  • Our third trip, this first Friday of November, is in a beautiful part of France: Lyon!

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NOV 5

5 PM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" Best Champagne & Wine Pairings with Holiday Dinners

Parisian champagne expert Cynthia Coutu from Delectabulles & Alessandra Esteves, CSW; MW Candidate of Florida Wine Academy

  • Do you need some cheering up? Or help deciding which champagne to serve for Thanksgiving? 
  • We're Zooming to Paris again to chat with Parisian champagne guru Cynthia Coutu from Delectabulles, who will give us tips about champagne pairings with your holiday dinners! 
  • Who knew champagne with turkey and all the fixings were such great matchups? 
  • For those who don't want to drink bubbly, we'll follow with a talk about the best wine pairings with Dame Alesandra Esteves.
  • Cheers, and onwards and upwards, like a champagne bubble!

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OCT 28

7 PM

2020

The French Connection Honoring Namesake Auguste Escoffier's Birthday

A Commun​ity Outreach Dinner Supporting our South Florida's Local French Restaurants

  • Connecting Dames in Miami, Delray Beach, & Palm Beach
  • Dinner on Zoom to celebrate Auguste Escoffier's Birthday
  • Featuring a specially-designed takeout box from selected French Restaurants in South Florida
  • Pick up your take-out box, and then we will all have our French Connection Dinner Together on Zoom
  • South Florida French restaurants with Escoffier-trained French chefs will be designing the menus
  • Semilla American & French Bistro, 1313 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Phone (305) 674- 6522
  • M&V Café, 12953 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami, Phone Stephanie di Rienzo: (786) 658-7212
  • Brulé Bistro, 200 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, Phone (561) 274-2046
  • Café Boulud, 301 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, Phone (561) 655-6060

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Dinner

OCT 23

5 PM

2020

Bee My Honey! Zoom Session about Bees & Honey

Savannah Bee Company and Dixie Southern Vodka 

  • COMMITTEE CHAIR: ANNIE HALL & ASSISTANT COMMITTEE CHAIR: CLAIRE TOMLIN
  • Ted Dennard, founder of Savannah Bee Company will share insights about bees and honey 
  • Sarah Martin, Director SE of Grain & Barrel Spirits,  will introduce their Dixie Southern Vodka
  • Learn how to make a French Mule cocktail with Wildflower Honey Vodka
  • Bee Cause Project - a nonprofit installing public observation beehives to educate & empower the community to protect honeybees.  The Bee Cause grant program has installed over 350 hives across the United States and in four countries around the world. A portion of proceeds from Dixie Wildflower Honey Vodka benefit The Bee Cause Project, which works to support the health of honeybees in the Southeast by increasing the number of hives in the region and helping to educate the public on their importance.
  • South Florida Dame Annie Hall, is the Savannah Bee rep with her company, Annie Hall, Inc.,

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OCT 3

11 AM

2020

Zoom Annual Les Dames South Florida Chapter Meeting

  • Meet our scholarship recipient Maria Franks at her new job in Sonoma! 
  • Receive updates on what's happening

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OCT 2

11 AM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" A Taste of Bretagne  

South Florida Dame, Marianne Lecron, S. Fl. Branch Manager for Thermomix®

  • Our second trip is in a beautiful part of France: La Bretagne!
  • Book your free ticket with Thermomix for this culinary tour

RSVP

SEPT 11

2020

"Zoom Around the World" Baking Class in the English Countryside

Hosted by London Dame MIRANDA GORE BROWN

  • Dame Miranda will be Zooming to us from her home in West Sussex, in the British countryside, where she shares her English country life on social media featuring glorious views of surrounding countryside that make you want to be there!
  • Learn how to make 'COFFEE AND WALNUT SLICE" CAKE
  • Miranda decorates her cakes with beautiful edible flowers - grown right outside her door
  • Miranda was a finalist in the first series of The Great British Bake Off  on BBC & has penned several cookbooks
  • As will be zooming from her home in West Sussex, in the British countryside

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SEPT 4

2020

"Zoom Around the World" A Taste of the French Countryside, La Provence

South Florida Dame, Marianne Lecron, S. Fl. Branch Manager for Thermomix®

  • Explore the French countryside's extremely rich and diverse cuisine
  • Learn about Thermomix® to experience the exclusive tastes and flavors of La Provence!
  • Provençal cuisine is tasty but simple, focusing on preserving the taste and texture of seasonal, fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, saffron, peppers,  olives, olive oil and wild herbs
  • It is above all Mediterranean and familial - la cuisine de grand-mère
  • Marianne's class will show us how to prepare traditional Provençal cuisine in a modern way with the Thermomix® kitchen appliance,  which is fun, fast, easy, & multi-skilled.
  • www.thermomix.com

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AUG

21

2020

Zoom to Paris! Celebrated Champagne Class & Julia Child's Birthday 

Part of the proceeds will benefit Les Dames South Florida's Scholarship Fund.

  • DURATION: 1.5 hours --- COST: $25
  • Host: Cyntha Coutou -  Founder of Delectabulles www.delectabulles.com 

  • Visit Julia's former neighborhood on the Rive Gauche with Champagne expert
  • Cyntha Coutou lives in the area and is familiar with Julia's former haunts
  • The in-depth champagne class features women-only champagne producers!
  • Order your champagne to accompany the class from our South Florida Dame Alessandra Esteves, owner of Florida Wine Academy, floridawineacademy.com or 305Wines.com. 

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AUG 7

5 PM

2020

Zoom to Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, Michigan

“Tour Michigan with Your Taste Buds" Hosted by Brad Hedeman

  • Ann Arbor Dame Amy Zemberling is a Managing Partner at Zingerman's Bakehouse
  • Since 1982, Zingermna's has fed a fan base across the US and beyond with their chewy-sweet brownies, monstrous sandwiches, famous sour cream coffee cake, fragrant loaves of Jewish rye, challah, and sourdough. 
  • It’s no wonder Zingerman’s is a cultural and culinary institution.
  • Brad Hedeman, superstar of the Mail Order Department at Zingerman’s. 
  • Brad will introduce us to the food of Northern Michigan.
  • Cherries have been an integral part of northern Michigan’s cuisine for more than 150 years
  • Nearly 75% of the world’s tart cherries are produced in Michigan. 
  • Order a South Florida Dames "special tasting basket" $55 incl. shipping -  [email protected] 

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JUL 31

5 PM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" Middle Eastern Cuisine

South Florida Dame/Chef Maude Eaton, Freelance food writer Sara Liss 

  • Maude & Sara are known for “The Saffron Supper Club” featuring Middle-Eastern pop-up dining experiences
  • Sara will be talking about the history and culture of Persian and Middle Eastern food
  • Maude will be showing us how to make Salad Shirazi, a Persian chopped salad with herbs and lemon dressing; and Kabob Kubideh, a Persian Beef Kabob with aromatic spices, lavash bread, grilled tomatoes. 
  • We’ll be sending you the recipe so you can purchase ingredients and follow along

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JUL 3

5 PM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" Learning to Cook Greek Meze

 Los Angeles/Orange County Dame d'Escoffier/Chef Christina Xenos

  • Discover the secrets of healthy Greek cooking and learn how to make Greek mezze
  • Prepare baked Zucchini & Feta patties using easily sourced in-season ingredients. 
  • In Greek, this dish is called Kolokithokeftedes, and it is a staple on any traditional mezze 
  • You will also learn how to make Tzatziki, which pairs perfectly with the dish. 
  • Chef Christina is a noted Greek chef and has paired  joined Greek TV celebrity chef, Argiro Barbarigo from Athens at the James Beard House in New York a couple of years ago. 
  • Christina is the co-author of Opa! The Healthy Greek Cookbook http://bit.ly/Opahealthygreekcookbook 
  • Zucchini Patties recipe  

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JUN 26

5 PM

2020

"Zoom Around the World" Pruneti Digital Tasting Class

Virtual from Tuscany, Italy

  • Virtual olive oil class with Tuscan olive oil producers, Paolo and Gionni Pruneti from San Polo in Chianti, and Katy Lapini, who will be presenting the class from Pruneti's location in Greve in Chianti. 
  • Receive a certificate afterward. It will be 11:00 pm in Tuscany, so bear with our fabulous presenters who are generously giving up their Friday night for Les Dames South Florida!

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JUN 5

5 PM

2020

The Fabulous Flavors of Summer - Virtual Class

Hosted by South Florida Dame Stephanie Miskew

  • Taste 3 fabulous, food-friendly, summer wines that will delight your palate
  • Stephanie has prestigious wine certifications: Certified Specialist of Wine (Society of Wine Educators), Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and Wine Location Specialist of Champagne & Port (Center for Wine Origins)
  • Whether you prefer white, rosé or red, she's got something for everyone 

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MAR 12

2020

Fundraiser! Café Boulud Lunch & Educational Talk by NYT Food Editor Sam Sifton

“South Florida Dames Day in Palm Beach” 

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​FEB 

19-23

2020

South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBE)

  • South Florida Dames are supporting Patty Morrell-Ruiz of the The Mad Table
  • Patty will have a table at SOBE
  • Be sure to stop by and say hello and find out how to cast your vote for her entry. 
  • Need details? Email Patty: themadtable.com
  • Info: https://sobewff.org

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​FEB 8

2020

Coral Gables Kitchen Tour of Kitchens, Coral Gables

Supports Coral Gables Community Foundation

  • Special Dames South Florida invite from Julia Johnston
  • Transport: Mercedes van from Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables/Pinecrest

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JAN 26

2020

  FUNDRAISER! Dinner to Support our Scholarship Fund

  M&V Café, North Miami

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JAN 26

2020

 APVSA Virtual Wine Event with Women Winemakers in France

  Sponsored by Les Dames South Florida 

RSVP