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Haiku Dinner

Glyph Cafe and Arts Space
Portland, OR

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- 3 Course Haiku-Inspired Dinner by Chefs John Pickett &
Doug Weiler

- Introduction to Rengay Writing by Maggie Chula

- Artist's talk by Yukiyo Kawano

Join us for our first artists' crossroads event: An Evening of Karumi. Karumi means a "light beauty with subtlety," and defined the qualities found in the later poems of haiku master Matsuo Bashō.

Renowned haiku and tanka poet Margaret Chula, artist Yukiyo Kawano and chefs John Pickett & Doug Weiler will lead guests through a lively evening of literary, artistic and culinary exploration in Glyph's relaxed and inviting setting.

We'll open with introductory sake and a haiku-influenced first course. Like haiku, each course includes fresh, simple ingredients and refined cooking techniques that distill and highlight delightful and often surprising flavors.

Artist Yukiyo Kawano will talk about her current installation at Glyph: "Narrow Road to the Deep North." Inspired by Bashō's travel journal of the same name, this suspended silk and paper screen combines the feeling of karumi with the concept of mono no aware, or gentle wistfulness.

Margaret Chula will introduce rengay, a short form of linked haiku. Writing linked verses is an old and playful pastime in Japan among poets and their guests, enhanced by several cups of sake. The idea is to create an atmosphere of karumi: fun, banter, and conviviality in which writers and writing enthusiasts from diverse communities can connect. Guests are welcome to participate in the writing or simply watch and encourage, as they like.

After our poems are complete, the second course will be served family style and additional alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Chefs Pickett & Weiler will preface the meal by sharing with us how they have interpreted the haiku spirit in their selection of ingredients and cooking techniques.

As the dessert course is served, we'll read our collaborative linked verses. The evening will conclude with an invitation to linger a little longer to chat and make new acquaintances.