While women have traditionally faced challenges breaking into the culinary world, you’ll find them leading the kitchens of some the most exciting restaurants in Washington, D.C., today. Following the path paved by culinary innovators, including Julia Child, Alice Waters, and Washington’s own Nora Pouillon, today’s female trailblazers are making their distinctive mark on the capital’s dining scene.

In an evening of lively conversation, join several of these star chefs as they discuss what it’s like to work in the male-dominated restaurant industry; how restaurant dining in Washington has evolved over the years; and what’s next on the region’s culinary horizon. Top things off with a bite from each of the chefs’ restaurants, along with cocktails provided by Thi Nguyen of Moon Rabbit and Sara Chaudhuri of Bresca.

Participants include:

• Amy Brandwein, chef and owner of Centrolina and Piccolina da Centrolina and a six-time James Beard Award nominee
• Julie Cortes, chef at Hiraya Café and its upstairs restaurant, Kayu, whose passion for traditional Filipino cuisine stems from her childhood, and
• Susan Bae, executive pastry chef and a founding member of the Moon Rabbit restaurant team, a 2023 James Beard Award finalist.

Food, wine, and hospitality journalist Nycci Nellis serves as moderator. She is the founder and publisher of TheListAreYouOnIt.com and co-host of Washington’s only food, wine, and spirits variety show, the Foodie & the Beast podcast.

General Information

• Registration for this program will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
• Refer to our health and safety information for in-person programs.