Austin has a good number of high-ranking women chefs, but proportionally, the industry as a whole is still lacking. More puzzling, it seems that this conversation is coming up less and less, and it's difficult to find up-to-date numbers. Online career platform Zippia found that in 2021, only about a quarter (25.19 percent) of chefs in the United States were women.

One local hospitality group is keeping the conversation going for the fourth year, with the annual Hai for Her celebration on March 8, International Women's Day. Hai Hospitality — the engine behind Uchi, Uchiko, Uchibā, and Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar — will literally be putting the work of its female staff on the table for Austinites to enjoy at all its locations, with a main event at Uchibā Austin, the newly opened bar on West 2nd Street.

Rather than a prix fixe tasting menu, this event will showcase one à la carte dish or cocktail on the specials menu at each eatery's regular dinner service, with all those announced so far appearing at Uchibā. They're all created by specific team members so Austinites get an idea of who is behind the kitchen doors. Participants aren't just from Austin, but multiple Texas cities including Dallas and Houston.

Those menu items include multi-cultural fusions like an al pastor bao with grilled pineapple relish; hotate (scallop) crudo with citrus flavors and kumquat; and roasted carrot with miso, shiso, and labneh; and lobster buns topped with yucca furikake and other unexpected treats. Things get meatier with chicken tsukune yakitori (skewered meatballs) and crispy pork belly skewers with Japanese sweet potato. Diners should considering closing out with a Black Forest-inspired donut.

A beverage list will share the spotlight with wine and other spirits made by women. Proceeds from the special menu items will benefit Les Dames d'Escoffier International, an organization for women in the culinary industry that works in philanthropy and education.

The menu isn't final, but here's everyone working on it:

• Katie Arnold - Manager Loro Austin
• Jennifer Boren - General Manager, Uchiko Austin
• Dia Brandon - Sous Chef, Loro Houston
• Morgan Finn - Sous Chef, Uchiko Austin
• Shannon Kennedy - Head Sushi Chef, Uchi Austin
• Rhonda McCullar - Chef de Cuisine, Uchi Dallas
• Whitney McMahan - Pastry Chef, Uchi Concepts
• Gabby Ocanas - Sous Chef, Uchi Austin
• Ariana Quant – Executive Pastry Chef, Hai Hospitality
• Bridgid Stanwyck - General Manager, Uchi Austin
• Peyton Walston - General Manager, Uchiba Austin

“Hai for Her is an opportunity for us to elevate the profile of women in the industry by showcasing the depth and creativity of our team while supporting a great cause,” said Executive Pastry Chef Ariana Quant.

The release does not specify where updates will be made, but Uchibā and Hai Hospitality have posted about the event.