LES DAMES D’ESCOFFIER NEW ORLEANS ANNOUNCES “PEARLS & PURPOSE”
AT ANTOINE’S RESTAURANT
Champagne, Luncheon and VIP After-Party to Benefit Programs Supporting Women in Hospitality
Friday, September 25, 2026
MEDIA ASSETS
WHO/WHAT:
Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans will bring together guests from across the city for Pearls & Purpose, an intimate champagne luncheon and fundraiser at Antoine’s Restaurant on Friday, September 25. The afternoon will feature a champagne reception followed by a three-course seated luncheon with wine, conversation and connection.
Featured speakers will include New Orleans songbird Robin Barnes and Deputy Mayor Renee Lapeyrolerie.
Proceeds from the event benefit the chapter’s annual Leading from the Heart Award grants and other mission-driven programs. Since 2023, Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans has awarded $25,000 in grants to women-led businesses and nonprofits in the Greater New Orleans hospitality community.
“Pearls & Purpose is a reflection of what makes Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans so powerful,” said Vice President of Programs Jennifer Kelly Killian. “We are a community of accomplished women leaders who believe in lifting each other up and creating opportunities for the next generation. Through the generosity of our members, supporters and guests, this event allows us to turn our collective experience and passion for hospitality into meaningful support for women making their mark in our industry and our community.”
Three-course luncheon menu:
Passed Appetizer
Antoine’s Soufflé Potatoes
Artichoke Boulette
First Course
Fall Salad
Spring greens, Honeycrisp apples, bleu cheese, candied pecans and honey mustard vinaigrette
Second Course
Crabmeat-Crusted Redfish
Louisiana blue crab, truffle essence, pan-seared redfish, onion rice and roasted asparagus
Dessert
Antoine’s Baked Alaska with Chocolate Sauce, Flambéed
Buttery pound cake shell, vanilla ice cream core, delicate meringue crust and hot chocolate fudge sauce
Guests seeking a more exclusive experience may continue the afternoon with Cause-a-Stir, a VIP after-party at a private residence near Antoine’s. Available to just 35 guests, the experience will feature a curated martini bar, passed bites and additional time with featured speakers and Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans leadership.
WHEN: Friday, September 25, 2026
Pearls & Purpose Luncheon
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cause-a-Stir VIP Experience
2–4 p.m.
WHERE:
Antoine’s Restaurant
713 St. Louis Street
New Orleans, LA
The Cause-a-Stir VIP Experience will continue at a private residence near Antoine’s.
TICKETS:
Pearls & Purpose Luncheon — $95
Includes champagne reception and three-course luncheon with wine.
Tickets
Cause-a-Stir VIP Experience — $165
Includes admission to Pearls & Purpose plus the private Cause-a-Stir after-party. Tickets are extremely limited.
Tickets
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Communications@lesdamesnola.org nola@brustmancarrinopr.com
About Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans
Founded in 2017, Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans is a chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality. The New Orleans chapter helps women advance in these industries by funding grants, creating opportunities for mentorship and professional development, and building connections among members and the broader hospitality community. For more information, visit lesdamesnola.org or follow the chapter on Instagram and Facebook.