Presenting the inaugural Chicago Great Bakes Challenge!
Join Les Dames d'Escoffier Chicago for the inaugural Chicago Great Bakes Challenge—an exclusive showcase where ten exceptional women from local culinary schools compete for career-boosting prizes and experiences with industry leaders. Spectators will experience the competition and judging LIVE, with complimentary coffee and wine service for the afternoon—and, of course, the contestants' sweet and savory creations. Read on for more detail about the impressive roster of judges and prizes!
Tickets: $95.00/person (beverages and pastry included)
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Time: 2PM – 5PM
Location: Birch Roads Cellar (Lincoln Park) 1113 W. Armitage St., Chicago
All proceeds benefit Les Dames d'Escoffier Chicago scholarship fund, as well as 100% of additional donations at checkout.
Our Panel of Judges
Some of Chicago's most esteemed baking and pastry professionals will judge the competition. Chicago Dames—and local legends—Gale Gand and Yudith Bustos Taleno are joined by Chef Justin Lerias of acclaimed pastry hotspot, Del Sur Bakery, in support of advancing the next generation of culinary excellence.
Event Partners
This competition is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and :
The Great Chicago Bakes Title Sponsor
Plugrà Premium European Style Butter - First Place Prize
The Great Chicago Bakes Event Sponsor
National Honey Board - 2nd Place Prize
Prize Experiences for Top 3 Contestants Courtesy Of:
Callebaut Chocolate Immersion | Pretty Cool Ice Cream Custom Pop Experience - Dana Cree, Founder | Publican Quality Bread Bakery Internship - Greg Wade, Partner
Craft Ingredient Partners
Burlap & Barrel | Callebaut Chocolate | Caputo Flour | Sunstarr Apparel
Hospitality Partners
Goddess & the Baker
Proceeds will benefit the Chicago chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier, an organization of women in food, beverage and hospitality working to support the next generation of women in the industry.
Thank you!
