By Les Dames d’Escoffier
(Reviewed by Susan Hindman)

An appealing new cookbook with recipes by some of the most prestigious women in the culinary industry comes with a title—Cooking with Les Dames d'Escoffier: At Home with the Women Who Shape the Way We Eat and Drink—that might elicit a polite “Isn’t that nice” response if you didn’t know any better. So a little explanation is in order.

Les Dames d’Escoffier International is an exclusive philanthropic society of professional women who are leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality. Its 27 chapters, across the United States and Canada, boast members from the legendary to the ascendant—chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, food stylists and photographers, authors, historians, food writers and editors, radio and television personalities, farmers, and public relations managers. Membership is by invitation only.