Epicurean Pantry Raises Funds and Awareness for Food Insecurity in Greenwich With Exclusive Culinary Event
Epicurean Pantry, a Greenwich-based woman-owned specialty food company, and Michele Laeo proudly announce the success of The Black Garlic Experience, an exclusive culinary event held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Leicht Kitchen Showroom in Greenwich, CT.
The sold-out evening brought together members of the local food, design, and media communities for a night of flavor discovery, creativity, and connection, all to support our neighbors in need through a silent auction benefiting Neighbor to Neighbor.
Guests enjoyed curated tastings by Chef Karen Brand, featuring Epicurean Pantry’s signature black garlic collection. The evening was co-hosted by Lisa Zeitel, Founder of Epicurean Pantry, and Michele Leao, a remarkable hospitality consultant, food curator, and chef, whose vision helped foster an atmosphere of creativity, generosity, and connection.
“Food brings people together, and everyone deserves access to nourishing, delicious meals,” said Lisa Zeitel, Founder of Epicurean Pantry. “We were honored to partner with Neighbor to Neighbor to support their vital mission right here in our hometown.”
Neighbor to Neighbor is Greenwich’s only food pantry, founded 50 years ago, and is committed to fighting food insecurity in our community. In 2024 alone, the organization distributed over 300,000 pounds of fresh produce—enough for more than 640,000 meals—to over 800 Greenwich households.
“It was inspiring to see our community rally around such a meaningful cause,” said K. Brent Hill, Executive Director of Neighbor to Neighbor. “We are deeply grateful to Epicurean Pantry and everyone who participated for their generosity and support.
The event was made possible by the generous support of Leicht Kitchen Design Studio, which hosted the evening at its stunning Greenwich showroom.
The Black Garlic Experience.
The Black Garlic Experience featured Epicurean Pantry’s black garlic condiments.
Raising funds for Neighbor to Neighbor.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lisa Zeitel
Founder, Epicurean Pantry
203-550-8750 | lisa@epicurean-pantry.com
About Epicurean Pantry
Epicurean Pantry curates rare and exceptional foods that offer health benefits. Founded in Greenwich, this woman-owned company is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Black Garlic DownVillage, a premium collection of black garlic products from Greece that enhance everyday meals with chef-trusted black garlic that heals and excites.
About Neighbor to Neighbor
Neighbor to Neighbor is Greenwich’s only food pantry, founded 50 years ago, dedicated to combating food insecurity in our community. In 2024 alone, the organization distributed over 300,000 pounds of fresh produce—enough for more than 640,000 meals—to more than 800 households in Greenwich.
About Michele Laeo
With over a decade in hospitality, Michele Leao specializes in blending operational precision with creative vision. Her experience includes event planning, recruiting, and team training, fueled by a passion for wellness and culinary innovation. As a certified Health Coach trained in Functional Gastronomy, Michele offers a holistic, trend-forward perspective. From designing immersive events to optimizing service flow, she creates memorable hospitality experiences that resonate.
