Taste of Innovation 2024

Enjoy a truly unique dining experience, savor the rich diversity of the city, and toast to the most innovative restaurants with the Fast Company Taste of Innovation culinary series.

The exclusive, delectable fete showcases New York’s powerhouse chefs and some of the best eats and libations in the city. Meet the Fast Company editorial staff and connect with fellow festival guests.

Each Taste of Innovation experience is sold separately- and not included with any festival pass. Additional Taste of Innovation experiences to be announced soon.

What does it take to change the perception of an entire genre of cuisine? Rajesh Bhardwaj, the restaurateur behind Jazba and Junoon, discusses how he's taken on the challenge of introducing Indian fine dining to customers stateside—and how he earned one of the first Michelin stars for an Indian restaurant in the U.S. along the way. And Deanna Ting, New York and Philadelphia editor at Resy, will join Bhardwaj in this conversation to discuss how the reservation platform is helping to amplify restaurants like Jazba.

Fine dining has long been plagued by a lack of diversity among chefs—and Resident is aiming to change that. The dining concept that hosts pop-up dinners in a variety of luxury penthouses, town houses, and private clubs throughout New York City is on a "mission to empower the culinary community." Hear from Resident CEO Brian Mommsen and chefs Nancy Nguyen and Deborah Jean on why championing diversity and representation is not only a core value for the company, it's critical to its growth.

After a hotly anticipated opening, Din Tai Fung shares their legendary xiaolongbao with New York City. With more than 180 locations in 13 countries, it’s more critical than ever for the brand to communicate its purpose of "bringing people together to inspire appreciation of culture.” Learn how Jessica Chao, vice president of brand marketing and communications of Din Tai Fung North America, leads with cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and purpose during this exciting period of growth. Also hear about the intention behind Din Tai Fung’s community engagement initiatives working with Christine Yi, general manager of Gold House Futures, to uplift and empower Asian communities to create the next generation of leaders.

The food-service industry in the U.S. is expected to exceed $1.1 trillion in sales this year. A notable force within that milestone has certainly been renowned chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud. Boulud's storied career includes six James Beard Awards and four Michelin stars across his numerous restaurants—and his empire is only growing. Join Boulud and Sebastien Silvestri, CEO of his restaurant group Dinex, for an intimate conversation on how they're growing the brand and what it takes to build and maintain excellence.