The Food Node

I had such a fun time at the Food Node event I attended. My boyfriend and I got to meet a handful of interesting new people, and we got to learn a lot more about the people we already knew there. This team is really awesome at making everyone feel comfortable, so it is super easy to open up and let loose. And what better way to have unique conversation but over a handful of rounds of family style plated food. Perfect!
This is a fabulous idea for private get-​togethers where no one knows each other (wedding parties?), networking events, speed dating and definitely team buildings. I can really envision a company getting lot of value in bringing coworkers together who work in separate departments or remotely as this style of event is great for building collaboration and appreciation with people that you don’t get a lot of one-​on-​one engagement with.
Chase, Evan and Jonie have an amazing energy that shines through the entire experience. They really got a special idea here — the lost art of talking face-​to-​face and being present, they nail it!

The Food Node put my networking into Beast Mode. Talk about good people, good conversation, good FOOD; they had it all.
I love the fact that our discussions were allowed to flow naturally, but never quite to the point where conversations dwindle and people start talking about the weather (or now days– some tv show they watched).
The connections I made (both with people I plan to work with on a professional level, as well as many friends!) were all amazing, interesting, and the entire Food Node experience had an air of mystery to it.
Had their been dos Equis involved, I would have spouted a sexy accent and become the most interesting man alive.
Because FOOD NODE!!!

I decided to check out Food Node because I’m trying to be better about attending more networking events. I’ve gone to a few in recent months and overall find them interesting and helpful to some degree, but I don’t really think the San Francisco tech startup scene is for me. I met Jonie at an unrelated networking event and was immediately struck by her friendliness and outgoing nature, so when she told me about Food Node I figured I’d go for it. Boy am I glad I did!
For the shy, Jonie and Chase have exercises and prompts to get people talking. But they let the rest of us take things from there, allowing the conversations to flow and progress naturally. Beyond networking, this is a great space for talking through work challenges and areas of opportunity. We were giving one another advice and support, and this is something I did not expect. While all of this is going on Evan is cooking up a storm and making super interesting and delicious goodies for us to further bond over. It’s find dining with a group of strangers, but what a great way to make a new friend or become connected to a new colleague. I had an awesome time and really look forward to the next one.

While the concept «Networking with Food» is a good one to begin with, my expectations were completely blown out of the water. I’m a pretty social person to begin with, so meeting and conversing with new people isn’t a challenge. I was curious to see how Jonie, Chase, and Evan had planned to incorporate everyone of varying social skills.
The Food Node was exceptional from beginning to end — free flowing wine helps. We were encouraged to meet each other in an open forum where you could very well just sit in a corner and people watch if you pleased or dive right in and shake everyone’s hands.
We were led to a space with a large table and a kitchen (AND A SLIDE! I recommend letting your inner kid out and having at it). While the table was long and conversation from one end to another seemed impossible, Jonie did a magnificent job of incorporating games and challenges that had us converse and work together. All the while, Evan was serving plate after plate of finger foods with background stories that made for fun small talk between the attendees and Chase never let my glass empty — the mark of a great host.
I won’t give away all the fun that can be had, but would absolutely recommend this to anyone and everyone. It’s not just networking. You’re expanding your knowledge with other’s experiences and getting to know people you would maybe never have encountered within your circles. I can’t wait for the next time I can attend!

Jonie will welcome and organize you (and hug you too).
Chase will question and challenge you.
And, Evan will assault your taste buds.
All in the nicest possible way (of course).
Will you be pushed a little out of your comfort zone: probably, will you meet other interesting people, definitely, will you be well fed and dined, absolutely. You’ll discover new foods you probably haven’t tried or even heard of as part of the comfort zone pushing.
Is this a networking event, well maybe, but I don’t like to think of it like that. I almost absolutely refuse to go to networking events. They are awkward, they are forced, and they feel fake.
The food node, feels genuine, by people who are honest about who they are and what they are doing. Which, from my perspective, is getting a bunch of interesting people — often entrepreneurs, but not always — together for an family style dinner of conversation and food.
Like food, like people, want to try new food, meet new people in a safe environment, then the Food Node is just for you.
To quote the back of the Beatles Sgt. Pepper Album sleeve: «A splendid time is guaranteed for all!»