Tallahassee Celebrates Women Chefs with Damas Culinary Series

News Summary

Tallahassee is hosting a unique culinary pop-up series called Damas, featuring three talented women chefs and a sommelier. Running from March 21 to April 16, the event offers intimate four-course dinners and food classes aimed at celebrating female empowerment in the culinary scene. Guests can enjoy gourmet treats, small-production wines, and educational classes highlighting pioneering women chefs, all while supporting women in hospitality. This initiative arrives just in time for Women’s History Month, emphasizing community collaboration and support for local women entrepreneurs.

Tallahassee Celebrates Women Chefs with Damas Culinary Pop-Up Series

Tallahassee is buzzing with excitement as three incredible women from the hospitality world come together to launch a unique pop-up culinary series called Damas. The term “Damas” means “ladies” in Spanish, a perfect name to honor the talented women behind this initiative as they kick off festivities for Women’s History Month, which commenced on March 1.

Collaboration and Community

The pop-up series will officially unfold at the picturesque Camelia Cottage and Rough House Cottage, nestled on the beautiful grounds of Goodwood Museum & Gardens. From March 21 through April 16, attendees will be treated to intimate four-course dinners and deluxe chef’s table experiences designed to tantalize taste buds and celebrate female empowerment.

Participants making this event come alive include Sommelier Amanda Morrison and chefs Sylvia Gould and Katie Spetman. This exciting collaboration aims to shed light on the incredible talent present in the local women’s culinary scene, showcasing not only a sumptuous menu but also the spirit of camaraderie that exists within the industry.

What to Expect

The evenings will feature two seatings every Friday night at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with a cozy setting welcoming 24 diners per seating. For those interested in expanding their culinary horizons, the event also includes a retail shop brimming with gourmet treats, small-production wines, and delightful gift items, all aimed at supporting women in business. This pop-up is a celebration of gastronomy and a chance to uplift women entrepreneurs.

Food enthusiasts can also look forward to educational classes that will delve into unique themes. One exciting class, titled “The Pioneering Women of Champagne,” is set for March 26, followed by another engaging session, “Fishwife Tinned Fish & Spanish Wine Tasting,” scheduled for April 9. The pricing for the classes is set at $90 and $75, respectively, ensuring that everyone has a chance to learn from these culinary experts.

Meet the Chefs and Sommelier

Let’s take a closer look at the powerhouses behind Damas. Sylvia Gould, a former pastry chef at Kool Beanz Cafe and a James Beard semifinalist, recently left her long-standing position to pursue new ventures. Gould’s talents were recently showcased at the Tallahassee State College’s annual Cleaver & Cork fundraiser, where her desserts dazzled attendees.

Katie Spetman, the executive chef at the Florida Governor’s Mansion for nine years, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With training from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Spetman is known for her exceptional culinary skills and creativity. In October, she moved on from her role to explore new opportunities, including this exciting collaboration.

On the sommelier front, Amanda Morrison is a name to remember. Recognized as one of Tallahassee’s “25 Women You Need to Know” in 2021, Morrison aims to create an environment that promotes collaboration among women in hospitality. She previously owned a wine shop called Poco Vino, and her passion for wine and community makes her an integral part of this pop-up series.

Supporting Women in Hospitality

This Damas culinary pop-up isn’t just about food and drink; it’s also about changing the dynamics in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men. With at least three dozen female entrepreneurs now running restaurants or food trucks in Tallahassee, the month of March—especially the recent International Women’s Day on March 8—serves as a reminder of the challenges women face across various fields, including the culinary world.

This March, Tallahassee is called to rally around these innovative and talented women, sending a strong message of support for women entrepreneurs in the local dining industry as they pave the way for future generations. Tickets for the Damas dinners and classes will go on sale starting March 8, so mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in an empowering culinary adventure!

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee Damas Celebrates Women’s Month
• New Woman-Owned Restaurant Coming to Downtown Tallahassee
• Hats Off to Celebrate Tallahassee Women Chefs
• New Additions Coming to Downtown Tallahassee
• Synovus Bank $39M Construction Loan to Expand Tallahassee Hotel
• Wikipedia: Women in Culinary
• Google Search: Women Chefs Tallahassee
• Google Scholar: Culinary Arts Women
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Women in Business
• Google News: Women’s Culinary Events