Feast of Words
Join co-hosts Lex Leifheit & Irina Zadov for a monthly potluck where writers and foodies come together to eat, write, and share. Discover local chefs and writers, learn more about local cultures and flavors, bring a dish on our monthly theme, or participate in on-the-spot writing to win edible and literary prizes! Find out about upcoming events and opportunities for writers and chefs by following Feast of Words on facebook or twitter (@feastofwords). If you would like to be a featured guest reader or chef, please email feastofwords@somarts.org.
“As a guest chef for the event I was so surprised to see my creativity was not only shown through my food but also in my writing. Bravo Feast of Words!”—Culinary Guest Azalina Eusope, Dec ’10
Feast of Words: A Literary Potluck takes place on the third Tuesday of each month, from 7pm to 9pm. Each month is connected to a theme inspired by a current exhibition at SOMArts; each month features accomplished Bay Area writers and inspired potluck cuisine. Tickets are $10 in advance, $5 with a potluck dish, or $12 at the door. Space is limited, we recommend getting tickets in advance.
“Performing at Feast of Words was a delight. The event is a one-of-a-kind fusion of art, food and fun, a sociable experiment in participatory literature. Everyone – including me – left happy and full, and how many readings can you say that about?”—Literary Guest Simon Sheppard, Dec ’10
“After more than an hour of eating and chatting and listening together, the room transformed from a collection of strangers to something that more resembled a big extended family dinner party — with only those family members you like.” – Caroline Chen, SFWeekly, July ’11
“Feast of Words definitely feels more like a community than a performance, an evening of both relaxation and inspiration.” – Dana Sitar, August ’11
“Friendly, informal, idealistic but real. Thought provoking, heart opening, reinvigorating, and thoroughly deserving of continued generous funding!” – Participant, January ’12
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 21, 2012 | At War
Literary Guest: Maxine Hong Kingston
Culinary Guest: Yasmin Golan
Literary Guest: Arisa White
Culinary Guest: Old Skool Cafe
Literary Guest: A student from 826 Valencia
Culinary Guests: Youth from Old Skool Cafe, a youth-run supper club
Literary Guest: Kevin Simmonds
Culinary guest: Justin Belluomini, Taste Catering
Literary guest: Arlene Biala
Culinary guest: Tina Africa
Culinary guest: Peter Jackson, Canvas Underground
Literary guests: Bill Berkson and Micah Ballard
Culinary guest: Yasmin Golan, Calico Pie Edibles and Delights
Culinary guest: The Potluck Brigade
View photos from February
January 3, 2011 | Blurred Identity
“Since my recent move to the Bay Area to serve as Distinguished Visiting Writer of Mills College, I’ve been inspired by the wealth of literary and food events but also disappointed at how difficult both worlds can be to access. This is one of the many reasons I’ve been so excited to discover Feast of Words and so happy to support Irina’s and Lex’s efforts.
In the relatively short time I’ve been involved as a participant/attendee (and now as an upcoming featured literary guest), I feel like I’ve found my people. The standard literary and/or food event tends to be hierarchical, featuring an established star whom participants pay to listen to or learn from, while community events can be too unfocused or unprofessional or entrenched for my liking.
In my travels as a teacher and practitioner of writing, and as a cooking student (in such places as Bali, Banff, Brazil, Chautauqua, Ghana, India, Italy, Iowa City, Nigeria, San Francisco, South Africa, Switzerland, and the Azores), I have found that sharing food and stories are two of the most powerful, universal ways to build community. The fact that Feast of Words already has both elements, as well as a monthly theme relevant to the lives and concerns of ordinary people, should ensure a cross-cultural following. Already I’ve seen an increase in quantity and quality of participation since I’ve been attending.
No one else offers FOW’s unique combination of accomplished guest reader and chef mingling with emerging/amateur/hobby writers and cooks. No other event creates a space where community building and food come together with artistic expression and dialogue. Where ordinary people, strangers, can meet and share like family in a public space for one warm evening.”—Literary Guest Faith Adiele, Jan ’11
