ATLANTA CHAPTER OF LES DAMES D'ESCOFFIER INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES DATE FOR 7TH ANNUAL "AFTERNOON IN THE COUNTRY" FUNDRAISER

The Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a worldwide society of women in the culinary, beverage, and hospitality industries, will host its seventh annual Afternoon in the Country on November 4, 2007 at 1:00 PM. According to Lea Brueckner, Event Chair, this year’s event promises to be more exciting than ever. “We have really honed this event to be a showcase for the area’s most talented chefs and their creative prowess, along with an array of fine wines, beers and Georgia’s organic harvest. It’s also well loved because Serenbe is such a fun place to spend a beautiful fall day,” she said.

The event will once again take place at Serenbe, a residential and commercial community near Palmetto, Georgia; approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta. More than 35 chefs from Atlanta’s best restaurants and select retailers will be set up in a tasting format alongside 15 fine wine and premium micro-brews under festive big-top tents. Last year’s event featured fine establishments including Bacchanalia, City Grill, Shaun’s, Rathbun’s, Park 75 at the Four Seasons, The Farmhouse, Pano’s & Paul’s, TROIS, Five Season’s Brewery, Bella Cucina Artful Food, Via Elisa Fresh Pasta and many more. Guests will also enjoy getting to meet some of Georgia’s dedicated organic growers and purchase from their bountiful harvest.

Other highlights include: live music, a one-of-a-kind cake raffle featuring sweets from Atlanta’s best pastry chefs, hayrides, unique wares from artisan and select retailers and an expanded silent auction offering exclusive dining and travel packages, collectible wines, food and wine merchandise and original art by some of the Southeast’s most prominent artists.

Tickets are $95 per person. Children under 12 may attend free of charge. Children 12 to 20 are $35 each. All proceeds benefit the Atlanta Chapter's successful scholarship fund and Georgia’s organic farming community. Tickets are available for purchase September 15, 2007 at Atlanta area Cook’s Warehouse locations, Blue Eyed Daisy Café at Serenbe, or Piedmont Park Green Market at Moore Family Farm’s table. Tickets may also be purchased securely online at www.lesdamesatlanta.org.

A poolside VIP reception will be held one hour prior to the start of Afternoon in the Country. Tickets for the VIP reception will be $250 per person and will include a Champagne reception and assortment of culinary delights from Serenbe chefs Tony Seichrist of The Farmhouse, Nicolas Bour of Blue-Eyed Daisy and Hilary White of The Hil.

Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. Sponsors for the 7th annual Afternoon in the Country include for the second year, Presenting Sponsor Serenbe.

Les Dames d’Escoffier International is dedicated to creating a supportive culture in the community, fostering excellence and promoting the achievement of women in culinary professions through educational and charitable activities. For additional information, please visit www.lesdamesatlanta.org.

To secure media passes for the event or photographs from past years please contact Elizabeth McDonald