My favorite lunches used to be those put on by Lunch 2.0 which mixes lunch with a presentation or a panel discussion at an interesting technology company somewhere around the valley. They almost always attract an interesting [...]]]> The best lunches are those that provide more food for thought than food for my already overweight frame.

My favorite lunches used to be those put on by Lunch 2.0 which mixes lunch with a presentation or a panel discussion at an interesting technology company somewhere around the valley. They almost always attract an interesting crowd for networking.

I say “used to be” because Lunch 2.0 was dormant for a while, and I discovered a new favorite. Oddly, it seems to be the best kept secret in Silicon Valley!

Mozilla.com, the folks that do the awesome Firefox browser, are not just an open source company, but a pathologically open organization from top to bottom. Every Thursday, Mozilla Labs has an open Design Lunch. It’s a bring-your-own-brown-bag affair open to anyone. Topics vary from week to week, but it’s usually design issues for future versions of the Firefox browser or one of the other Mozilla Labs Projects.

The format is a presentation from some of the best designers on the planet and an open discussion, so you not only get a peek into the future, but a chance to change it. I highly recommend joining the discussion. Pack a lunch or order one online for pickup downstairs at Le Boulanger.

Mozilla is at 650 Castro Street in Mountain View. Check the Mozilla Wiki for exact times (usually 12:30) and topics. Be aware that topics are often not posted until the day before, and sometimes even as late as Thursday mornings, so check back often.

UPDATES: If you can’t make it to Mountain View, you can still sit in on the Mozilla Labs Design Lunch on Air Mozilla.

Design Lunch moderator Jono DiCarlo welcomes suggestions for Design Lunch topics. Hit the Mozilla Labs Wiki and suggest something!