It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Grande Dame Nathalie Dupree passed away on January 13, 2025.
Read a lovely tribute and Nathalie’s obituary at Charleston City Paper.
Nathalie Dupree, the South’s cooking queen, passes away at 85
by Andy Brack, January 13, 2025
We owe our very foundation to her – the Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier was born in the living room of Nathalie’s Atlanta home in the mid 90’s. She gathered there with other well-respected women of Atlanta’s culinary scene to launch what would become one of Les Dames largest and most active chapters. She served as the first Chapter President and remained active in the chapter throughout her time in Atlanta. After relocating to Charleston, she helped to form a chapter in that city and when she and her beloved husband Jack Bass moved to Raleigh, NC, she continued her active involvement in the organization as a member of the NC Chapter. In 2011, she was recognized with our organizations highest honor, Grande Dame.
Nathalie was a mentor, friend, colleague, cheerleader, teacher, advocate and champion for us and women everywhere. Our chapter is proud to include among our membership many of her “chickens”, including Dames Cynthia Graubart, Rebecca Lang and Virginia Willis, as well as countless others who had the privilege of learning from her. Her pork chop theory is one we will always abide by- “one pork chop in a pan goes dry; two or more and the fat from one feeds the other.” She paved a noble path, and we will stay the course. It’s an honor to carry her legacy forward as we continue to support women in culinary and hospitality. Thank you Nathalie- rest in peace dear lady.
We are honored and humbled that Nathalie and her family have asked loved ones to support our scholarship fund in her memory. If you feel compelled to do so, you may make a tax-deductible contribution in her honor below.
