Philadelphia’s vibrant culinary community will come together this September for one of the region’s most meaningful food events. The Les Dames d’Escoffier Philadelphia Heritage Dinner 2026 returns on Sunday, September 13, bringing acclaimed chefs, bakers, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders to the beautiful waterfront grounds of Glen Foerd Mansion.
The annual Outstanding in Her Field Heritage Dinner is much more than a memorable meal. The open-air gathering raises scholarship funds for women pursuing careers in food, hospitality, beverage, and agriculture while spotlighting the extraordinary contributions women continue to make throughout the culinary world.
Set along the Delaware River, the communal dining experience will feature dishes prepared by more than two dozen culinary talents from across the Greater Philadelphia region. Guests will enjoy a family-style feast designed to celebrate both local food culture and the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees.
The 2026 Outstanding in Her Field honorees represent distinctive paths to excellence within the food and hospitality industries. This year’s celebration recognizes legendary baker and author Rose Levy Beranbaum, whose groundbreaking book The Cake Bible transformed home baking through precision and innovation. Beranbaum is also debuting her new memoir, Ma Vie en Rose: My Sweet Life, during the same week as the event.
The dinner will also honor Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer of Canal House Station and Studio. Through their influential work in food journalism, cookbook publishing, photography, and storytelling, they have helped shape how people connect food, community, and place throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond.
Rounding out this year’s honorees is Michele Leff, founder and principal of 12th Street Catering. Leff has spent more than four decades building one of Philadelphia’s most respected catering enterprises while remaining committed to community engagement and culinary innovation.
According to Les Dames Philadelphia Co-President Lynn Buono, the Heritage Dinner shines a spotlight on the organization’s mission of uplifting women in the culinary and hospitality fields. While funds raised support scholarships and grants, the evening’s broader purpose is to celebrate and promote women whose work continues to influence the food world.
The menu itself promises to be a showcase of regional creativity and culinary heritage. Featured chefs include Joncarl Lachman, Adam Delosso, Chris Nguyễn, Valerie Erwin, Olga Sorzano, Angie Brown, and Rachel Klein. Guests can look forward to everything from Sweet Amalia Oysters and Herring with Amsterdam pickled vegetables to Vietnamese Vegetable Root Curry, Chicken Mole inspired by 12th Street Cantina, and seasonal farm-fresh offerings. Vegan and gluten-free selections will also be available.
One of the evening’s most anticipated attractions will be the Grand Cake Table, created in honor of Rose Levy Beranbaum. Sponsored by Fantes, the spectacular dessert display will feature contributions from beloved bakeries and culinary institutions including Frosted Fox Cake Shop, Night Kitchen, Isgro’s, Sunflower Bakeshop, Walnut Hill College, New June, Neo Bakes, Diane’s La Patisserie, Roux Culinary, Drexel, 12th Street Catering, John & Kira’s Chocolates, Éclat, Franklin Fountain, and Linvilla.
Adding to the community spirit of the event, students from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College will assist with preparations and service, gaining valuable hands-on experience while supporting a meaningful cause.
For food lovers, hospitality professionals, and supporters of women in the culinary industry, the Les Dames d’Escoffier Philadelphia Heritage Dinner 2026 offers a unique opportunity to enjoy exceptional cuisine while helping fund the next generation of female leaders in food and hospitality. Tickets are available now, with proceeds directly supporting the organization’s annual scholarship programs.
This annual celebration continues a proud Philadelphia tradition of honoring women whose passion, leadership, and dedication have helped shape the region’s rich culinary landscape.