Fairfax Poet Laureate Fuses Verse With Local Cuisine And Art

FAIRFAX, VA — Fairfax County Poet Laureate Angelique Palmer and ArtsFairfax announced the launch of “Poetry &,” a series of interactive public programs designed to fuse the literary arts with culinary and visual experiences.

The initiative, coinciding with National Poetry Month in April, features partnerships with local landmarks in Tysons, McLean, and Lorton. Palmer, whose term as laureate runs through September 2027, said the project explores how words can complement what people see, taste, and hear.

“My vision for ‘Poetry &’ is to demonstrate how poetry can augment other art forms,” Palmer said. “How do we find the words that complement and enrich an artistic experience?”

The programming includes a collaborative menu at Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen in McLean, an ekphrastic poetry workshop at the Workhouse Arts Center, and a cultural exploration of Egyptian cuisine at Fava Pot in Tysons

ArtsFairfax President and CEO Stuart Holt said the project is part of the agency's mission to engage the public through poetry. “Ms. Palmer’s project invites us to be fully present and engaged in an art experience,” Holt said.

Palmer, a performance poet and kindergarten teacher, has lived in Fairfax County since 2017. A New Orleans native, she has been ranked among the top women poets in the world by the Womxn of the World Poetry Slam.

Upcoming ‘Poetry &’ Events

• April 7–14: Special $40 three-course prix-fixe menu inspired by Angelique Palmer.
  • Location: Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101
• April 14 (5 to 6:30 p.m.): Live poetry reading and menu discussion with Chef David Guas and Angelique Palmer.
  • Location: Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, 6641 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101
• April 16 (6:30 to 8 p.m.): Poetry & Visual Art workshop in the McGuire Woods Gallery focusing on the "Flourish" exhibition.
  • Location: Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079
• April 25: Poet Laureate reading at the eARTh Day Festival closing ceremony.
  • Location: Reston Town Square Park, 11900 Market St., Reston, VA 20190
• April 28 (6 p.m.): "Poetry & Food" ticketed fusion event with Chef Dina Daniel.
  • Location: Fava Pot at The Boro, 1624 Boro Place, McLean, VA 22102