Adventure Collective
Land Adventures: Asian Vegetarian Cooking with Chef Mat in Oakland - Oakland

Land Adventures: Asian Vegetarian Cooking with Chef Mat in Oakland

Oaklandeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

No special fitness required, just enthusiasm for cooking.

Overview

Dive into the bold flavors of Asian vegetarian cuisine with Chef Mat in Oakland. This hands-on class offers a fun, flavorful way to sharpen your cooking skills and enjoy authentic dishes.

Berkeley, California

Asian Vegetarian with Chef Mat

Oakland • Fri, Aug 22

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About This Adventure

Join a hands-on cooking class in Oakland and explore the vibrant world of Asian vegetarian cuisine! Under the guidance of Chef Mat, you'll create delicious dishes like Spicy Chinese Chilled Eggplant and Fresh Spring Rolls. Enjoy a fun, collaborative atmosphere while savoring your culinary creations at the end of the class.

Duration

3 hours

Location:

This in-person class is being held in our Oakland Kitchen - 6506 San Pablo Ave, Oakland 94608

Asia is a vegetarian's culinary wonderland. The cuisines of the regions are renowned for their meatless masterpieces. With a palate of unique indigenous ingredients, cooking techniques, balances of flavors, Asian vegetarian cuisine has become a favorite for many around the globe. Learn all about the best ingredients and techniques in this evening of hands-on cooking fun!

Menu:

  • Spicy Chinese Chilled Eggplant
  • Shishito- Japanese Peppers blistered and tossed with Togarashi Spice
  • Fresh Spring Rolls with grilled Portobellos and Spring Onion
  • Chinese Rice Porridge (Congee) with Soy Egg and assorted garnishes
  • Korean-style Noodle Salad with Carrot, Cilantro, and Lime Dressing
  • Fried Black Sesame Bananas with Five Spice Honey

Class Format:

Each class will begin with a lecture from the chef about the day’s theme and recipes. After this introduction, the group will break up into smaller teams, and start working on the recipes in the class menu. A snack will be served at the beginning of class, and you will be eating the dishes you make at the end of class. You are welcome to eat as much as you’d like in class, though unfortunately, our zoning permit does not allow us to have students take food home.

Healthy and Safety:

• Masks are optional • COVID protocols are subject to change to reflect local and state mandates.

What to wear/bring to class:

• Close toed shoes are mandatory. High heels, open toed shoes, sandals, flip flops are NOT allowed in the kitchen. • Shoulder-length hair or longer needs to be worn back and away from your face; we have plenty of hair ties in the kitchen for you to use and keep. • Feel free to bring a favorite apron or a knife you want to practice with but know that we will supply aprons and all the tools you need for use during class.

Allergies:

Please take a look at the class menu. If you think you might be allergic to anything on the menu, please indicate it on your class registration and if you have a concern, get in touch and we can double check the ingredient list classes@kitchenonfire.com.

Wine and Beer:

We whole-heartedly invite class participants (who are 21 and older) to bring any wine or beer they would like to enjoy during class for personal consumption. Kitchen on Fire employees cannot open or serve beverages you bring into the kitchen. We cannot sell or distribute alcohol and we uphold ABC regulations. No minor can drink and we cannot have intoxicated students attending a class.  

Chef's Bio:

Growing up in a family full of chefs and kosher caterers in New Jersey, Mat Wertlieb has felt at home in a kitchen since childhood. He first fell in love with the unique culinary scene of the Bay Area while working an externship at One Market Restaurant in 2000. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, he spent a year and a half in Boston’s busiest restaurant, Grill 23, before the pull of Northern California’s food culture drew him back. He has worked for the past decade at some of the most successful restaurants in San Francisco and Berkeley, including Lark Creek Inn, Farallon, Lalimes, and Gather. Trips to Italy and Israel furthered his exposure and passion for the various cuisines of the world. Chef Mat works full-time teaching classes with the Kitchen on Fire team including his own guest chef classes, the 12-Week Basics Series, Knife Skills and private events.

Happy Cooking!

Adventure Tips

Prepare ingredients ahead

Come with pre-measured ingredients to save time and focus on cooking techniques.

Dress comfortably

Wear clothes suitable for cooking and potential spice splatters.

Ask questions

Engage with Chef Mat to deepen your understanding of Asian flavors.

Taste as you go

Sample dishes during preparation to learn about flavor balancing.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Birds such as sparrows and swallows
  • Squirrels in city parks

History

Oakland has a rich culinary history influenced by diverse immigrant communities, shaping its vibrant food scene.

Conservation

The class emphasizes sustainable ingredients and waste reduction, aligning with local food sustainability efforts.

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Adventure Hotspots in Oakland

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Apron

Essential

Protect your clothes from splatters during cooking.

Cooking utensils

Essential

Bring your favorite spatulas and knives for comfort and control.

Notebook and pen

Jot down recipes and techniques to recreate at home.

Reusable bottle

Stay hydrated during the class, especially in a busy kitchen.