Les Dames d'Escoffier International is the only organization of its kind; a worldwide society of professional women of achievement in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality.  The membership, composed of International chapters, is highly diversified, reflecting the multifaceted field of contemporary gastronomy.  Les Dames membership includes chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, culinary school proprietors and teachers, professors, culinary historians, food editors, and writers, hoteliers, and hotel executives, vintners and wine merchants, chocolatiers, bakers, food scientists, dieticians, communication specialists, lawyers, and food merchants, manufacturers and purveyors.  Each has at least five years' professional experience:  all have distinguished themselves in their fields.   Membership is by invitation only.