The Austin chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, an international service organization of ladies in the food industry, uses the funds raised via the annual online auction of foodstuffs, services, and experiences to help pay for “farm-to-plate initiatives” and culinary scholarships.
To that end, those with a few extra shekels can bid on items like a private party for 30 at Franklin Barbecue (current bid at the time of this writing: $1,420), tickets to Foodways Texas’ Barbecue Summer Camp (currently at $250), and a private dinner hosted by Easy Tiger’s David Norman and his wife, food writer Paula Disbrowe (currently $400).
More down-to-earth options include gift cards to Whole Foods and the Steeping Room, as well as photos, aprons, haircuts, and cookbooks. One notable absence from the items up for bid are the ones usually donated by Bud Royer: I always look forward to bidding on (and winning!) the gift certificates and bundles of pie from Royer’s Café in Round Top. Because items are often added to the offerings as the auction progresses, I remain hopeful that I’ll be able to maintain my pie-centric winning streak.
The auction runs through Oct. 26.
This article appears in October 11 • 2013.