Last chance! Regular-rate tickets available through THIS SUNDAY, August 17!

TASTE OF INNOVATION

ONE-OF-A-KIND FAST COMPANY CULINARY EXPERIENCES

Join Fast Company for a series of exclusive dinners celebrating some of NYC’s most innovative restaurants—featuring inspired menus, intimate conversations, and the creative spirit of the city’s top culinary minds. Taste of Innovation tickets can be purchased individually or as an add-on to your festival pass (included with the Ultimate Innovator Pass).

Monday, September 15, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT)

5201477-67f832fb383fe.pngProspect Heights
A dinner and conversation at Sofreh Cafe

Why being culture-driven is good for business

Featuring Nasim Alikhani, Chef-Owner, Sofreh

What's Included:

  • Family-style meal of Persian dishes, bites, and spreads and desserts
  • Two drinks per person
  • All gratuities included

Join James Beard Award nominee chef Nasim Alikhani at her warm and welcoming Sofreh Cafe for an evening filled with delicious traditional Persian dishes and spreads...

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Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT)

5201477-67f832fb383fe.pngFinancial District
A dinner and conversation at Metropolis by Marcus Samuelsson

Versatility is crucial at the Perelman Performing Arts Center

Featuring Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director, Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)

What's Included:

  • A four-course modern American dinner, served with a refined touch
  • Wine pairing with each course
  • Welcome cocktail to enjoy on the outdoor terrace
  • All gratuities included

The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) was the last puzzle piece of a massive redevelopment and revitalization effort within Lower Manhattan's World Trade Center complex...

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Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT)

5201477-67f832fb383fe.pngFinancial District
A dinner and conversation at Manhatta

Mastering a customer-first mindset

Featuring Patti Simpson, Chief Administrative Officer, Union Square Hospitality Group 

What's Included:

  • A three-course dinner featuring appetizer, entrée, and dessert
  • Standard beer and wine service
  • Seasonal menu crafted with locally sourced ingredients and flavors
  • Exclusive private dining room with sweeping views of the East River and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges
  • All gratuities included

Union Square Hospitality Group attributes much of its success to its dedication to customer service, which should be a priority for any company...

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Wednesday, September 17, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT)

5201477-67f832fb383fe.pngNoMad
A dinner and conversation at The Bazaar

José Andrés Group is on a mission

Featuring Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO, José Andrés Group

What's Included:

  • Five-course fusion of Spanish and Japanese cuisine, offering a unique tapas-style dining adventure
  • Three small plates (“waves”) per course
  • Wine pairing
  • Welcome cocktail
  • All gratuities included

The famed restaurant group is continually innovating on its core value: "Changing the world through the power of food." Hear how Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO of José Andrés Group, thinks about growing a successful brand around "doing good."...

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Thursday, September 18, 2025 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (EDT)

5201477-67f832fb383fe.pngEast Village
A dinner and conversation at Naks

How to expand strategically in crowded industries

Featuring  Roni Mazumdar, CEO, Unapologetic Foods

What's Included:

  • Three-course family-style Filipino fusion dinner featuring the chef’s seasonal favorites including a mix of individual bites, shared plates, and table-side preparations (menu subject to seasonal changes)
  • Private dining room
  • Welcome cocktail, plus beer and wine
  • All gratuities included

In Tagalog, naks is used as an exclamation of delight, surprise, or admiration—all descriptors that are apropos to the titular East Village restaurant. Naks...

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