Food & Philosophy: San Francisco Edition

Why I'm doing this

The best conversations happen around the table.

Over the years I've realized the most valuable conversations in business don't happen in boardrooms, at conferences, or at big networking events. They happen around the table. That's really what Food & Philosophy is about.

No name tags, no elevator pitches, no pressure to work the room. Usually we do it over my sandwiches and some dessert. But San Francisco is where Ike's started, so for the people here I wanted to do something more special. Same idea, small group, deeper conversation, at one of the best tables in the city.

The conversation

Principles, not tactics.

Throughout the evening I'll guide the conversation and share the principles, perspectives, and mental frameworks I've relied on while building Ike's into a $250M+ brand with 130+ locations across the country. But this isn't a business seminar, and I'm not going to spend the night giving you tactical advice. We're going to talk about how we think.

i.
How we make decisionsThe thinking that sits underneath every big call you make.
ii.
What creates momentumAnd how to keep it going once you have it.
iii.
What quietly holds us backThe stuff that doesn't look like a problem until you name it.
iv.
Who we surround ourselves withHow the people and environments around you change what you think is possible.

The setting

Restaurant Gary Danko

I picked Gary Danko because it's one of San Francisco's defining dining rooms, and has been since 1999. Classic French technique, Northern California ingredients, and service so good it's won its own awards. The meal alone is worth the night.

Five Diamond AwardAAA
Grand Award, every year since 2001Wine Spectator
Relais & Châteaux memberSince 2002
Best New RestaurantJames Beard
Outstanding ServiceJames Beard
17 consecutive years with a starMichelin

800 North Point Street at Hyde · Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

What you get

Here's what your seat includes.

A seat at one private table
A multi-course dinner at Gary Danko
The full Food & Philosophy conversation
Real time with me: bring the question you actually want to ask
A table of people who are actually in the arena building something

Who I'm hoping to meet

People who are building.

Founders & entrepreneursYou're building something and want to hear how someone else thinks about the next level.

CreativesYou're turning taste and craft into something that lasts.

Personal growth enthusiastsYou care about how you think as much as what you do, and you're always working on both.

More than anything, I wanted to create the kind of room I'd want to be in myself. The right people, the right conversation, the right environment.

Availability

Ten chairs. Seven are open.

The table seats ten, and three of those are already ours. I'm keeping it small on purpose so the conversation stays a conversation.

Already taken ● Open

7 of 10 seats left

Details

Good to know

What's the menu?

A multi-course dinner from Gary Danko's kitchen, built around their signature French-American cooking. Tell us about any dietary restrictions after you book and we'll pass them along to the restaurant.

Is there a dress code?

Gary Danko is business casual. Dress like you're having dinner somewhere excellent, because you will be.

Can I bring a guest?

Each ticket covers one seat. There are only seven open, so anyone you bring will need their own ticket.

What's the refund policy?

The table is reserved with the restaurant ahead of time and there are only seven seats, so all ticket sales are final.

Food & Philosophy · SF

I'll see you at the table.

Small group. Exceptional food. Meaningful conversation. If that resonates with you, I'd love to have you join us. Only seven seats are open, and when they're gone, they're gone.

— Ike

Founder, Ike's Love & Sandwiches

Reserve your seat · $395

— · Gary Danko, San Francisco