Initiative to Link Irish Women in Food to International Network
Women leaders in food and drink here are being encouraged to back the formation of
an Ireland branch of Les Dames d’Escoffier as the newest chapter of Les Dames
d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a global philanthropic organisation of women leaders in
food, beverage, and hospitality.
Food producers behind the initiative include Emily McCorkell, the founder of Lo&Slo, an
award-winning producer of American-style BBQ Sauces and a key figure of outdoor
cooking based in Londonderry.
Emily, a native of Philadelphia who has lived and worked in Derry for over 20 years,
explains: “The mission is to inspire, advance, and support women in food, beverage,
and hospitality across Ireland to achieve excellence in leadership and philanthropy.
“For me, it feels like a natural fit. So much of my own work is rooted in provenance,
seasonality, food education, and telling the story of Ireland through its landscape,
producers and people.
“What interests me most is what we can build from here through mentorship, education,
philanthropy and creating opportunities for women across the industry,” adds Emily.
Renowned as a chef, food educator and successful business woman, Emily is part of an
initial group backing the initiative for women. The others include Aoife Shortt Ryan, a
food buyer for Avoca; Funke Egberongbe, owner of a respected West
African/Caribbean restaurant in Sligo; and Kathleen Hall Smith. a sommelier in Dublin.
They join chefs and publicans, ingredients buyers, food writers and producers from
West Cork to Donegal.
Established in 2018 by Emily, a mother of two, Lo&Slo Sauces has gained an
impressive reputation for delivering quality, taste and innovation. “As a result of our
commitment to using only the finest ingredients and a passion for crafting irresistible
flavour combinations Lo&Slo has quickly become a favourite among grill masters and
food lovers alike,” adds Emily.
Emily, a key figure in the visionary LegenDerry food brand developed by the local
council with producers and hospitality businesses, is well-known in the area for her
street food truck and outdoor BBQ catering.
