Over Two Dozen Chefs to Unite for the 30th Annual Outstanding in Her Field Heritage Dinner at Bartram’s Garden

This fall, Les Dames d’Escoffier Philly will celebrate women in the culinary world with the 2025 Outstanding in Her Field Heritage Dinner, taking place Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at the historic and scenic Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Boulevard).

Set against the backdrop of lush riverfront greenery, this open-air communal feast will bring together more than 25 of the region’s top chefs, bakers, and restaurateurs to honor three extraordinary women shaping Philly’s food landscape: Lisa Calvo, Melissa McGrath, and Valerie Erwin. Tickets are on sale now at lesdamesphilly.org/events/

Honoring Philly’s Culinary Trailblazers

• Lisa Calvo, oyster farmer and owner of Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm and Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen, has become a powerhouse in local aquaculture, bringing fresh Cape May oysters directly from tide to table.

• Melissa McGrath, chef and partner at Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen, has earned accolades from Esquire, Philadelphia Magazine, and the New York Times for her seasonal South Jersey-inspired cooking.

• Valerie Erwin, longtime Philly chef and social justice advocate, previously helmed the celebrated Geechee Girl Rice Cafe and now manages St. Christopher’s Foundation’s Farm to Families program while serving on several cultural boards.

“Though there is much good work done by our chapter and honorees during the other 364 days of the year, on this night the communal meal and awards create a laser beam of attention on our mission,” said Les Dames Philly Co-President Lynn Buono.

A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup

The night’s family-style dinner and hors d’oeuvres will showcase the creativity of celebrated chefs such as Bo Neidhardt, Tanesha Trippett, Susanna Foo, Eli Collins, Chris Nguyen, Angie Brown, Adam Diltz, Diana Widjojo, Chaz Brown, Ari Miller, April McGreger, Marie Stecher, Kate Honeyman, Beth DeBruyn, and many more.

Guests will also enjoy a raw bar featuring Sweet Amalia oysters, cheeses from Di Bruno Bros., desserts from Philly favorites like John & Kira’s, Isgro’s, and Frosted Fox, and baked treats from Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College students who will also assist during the event.

Expect a menu rich in locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with gluten-free and vegan options available.