As Bethel Poet Laureate, one of my goals has been to make poetry more accessible and to create opportunities for people to gather, connect, and experience it in unexpected ways. On June 18, that vision came to life at La Zingara during our first-ever Poetry for Your Palate event.

What an evening it was.

More than 30 people gathered around two long tables for a night of delicious food, meaningful poetry, laughter, memories, and connection. The room buzzed with conversation long before the first poem was read and continued well after the final applause.

Barb Jennes, Ridgefield Poet Laureate Emerita shares some poetry at Poetry for Your Palate. Photo by Hannah Lipman

When I first approached Lisa Tassone, owner of La Zingara, with the idea back in March, she immediately embraced it. Together, we imagined an event centered not just on poetry, but on something everyone can relate to: food and the connections we make around the table.

A full house enjoying Poetry, Drinks and Food at La Zingara for Poetry for your Palate. Photo by Hannah Lipman.

The evening featured an extraordinary lineup of poets including Barbara Jennes, Brian Clements, Katherine E. Schneider, Cheryl Panosian, Susan Powers, Rick Magee, and myself. Through stories and poems about family recipes, childhood memories, celebrations, loss, culture, and love, we were reminded that food is so much more than what is on our plates. It is often where our most treasured memories live.

One of the greatest joys of the evening was hearing from people who told me, “I don’t usually go to poetry events, but I loved this.” That was music to my ears. Poetry has sometimes been given a reputation for being difficult or exclusive. Events like this prove otherwise. Poetry is simply another way of telling our stories, and everyone has stories worth telling.

CSU Professor Brian Clements shares poetry from his newest book, A Book of Common Rituals. Photo by Hannah Lipman

The warmth in the room was palpable. Strangers became acquaintances, acquaintances became friends, and conversations flowed as easily as the wine and pasta. There was laughter, a few tears, and countless moments of recognition as people saw pieces of their own lives reflected in the poems being shared.

Cheryl Ponasian, Danbury Poet Laureate reads her heartfelt poetry to a captive audience. Photo by Hannah Lipman

My heartfelt thanks to Lisa Tassone and the entire La Zingara team for their enthusiasm, generosity, and incredible hospitality. Thank you also to our wonderful poets who shared their words and hearts with such openness, and to everyone who attended and helped make the evening so special.

If you were there, thank you for being part of a night I won’t soon forget. If you missed it, don’t worry. Judging by the response, Poetry for Your Palate may just have another chapter waiting to be written.

Until then, may your tables be full, your conversations meaningful, and your hearts well fed.

Katie Schneider, Norwalk Poet Laureate, delivers her poetry with precision, passion, and presence. Photo by Hannah Lipman.
Susan Powers, Poet Laureate of Scotland, Connecticut, shared her beautiful poetry with an enthusiastic audience at Poetry for Your Palate. Susan’s forthcoming book, Stirring the Muse, to be published by Ornaug Mountain Publishing, features poems and recipes centered on food and connection by 27 Connecticut Poets Laureate. Photo by Hannah Lipman.
Rick Magee, Bethel Poet Laureate Emeretus, closes out the evening with delectable poetry. Photo by Hannah Lipman.

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Follow @bethelpoetlaureate on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events!  Our Monthly First Tuesday Featured Poet followed by Open-Mic will return September 1st!  Our monthly Third Tuesday Poetry/Storytelling Writing Workshop will return September 15th, 2026.  These events take place from 6:30-8:00pm at Molten Java.

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