easy
3 hours
No special fitness required; just be comfortable standing and working at a station.
Experience the rich flavors of Rome right in Oakland with Chef Mat’s hands-on cooking class. Discover authentic dishes and cultural stories in a lively, interactive setting.
Couples • Oakland • Fri, Sept 12 • Fri, Oct 17
Join Chef Mat for a captivating three-hour culinary journey into the heart of Roman cuisine. Discover the rich history behind beloved Italian dishes while preparing a menu featuring crunchy chicory salad, stuffed artichokes, and classic pasta. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in a fun, hands-on cooking experience!
3 hours
Oakland Kitchen - 6506 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608
Roman food culture has been evolving for more than 2,000 years!, Some of our most cherished Italian food traditions come from Rome. In this class Chef Mat will teach you to cook some of these fantastic modern Roman dishes with their roots in one of the world's greatest empires, and their home in one of the most romantic cities of Europe.
Classes are priced per individual, not per couple.
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.
• Masks are optional • COVID protocols are subject to change to reflect local and state mandates.
• 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.
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.
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.
Growing up in a family full of chefs and 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 the Middle East 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.
Getting there ahead of time ensures a relaxed start and better seating arrangement.
Protect your clothes while getting hands-on with the ingredients.
Engage with Chef Mat to deepen your understanding of Roman cuisine.
Don’t hesitate to taste test and compare flavors as you cook.
Oakland has a vibrant culinary scene influenced by diverse immigrant communities, making it a perfect place for a hands-on Italian cuisine class.
Sourcing local ingredients supports sustainable farming practices in the region, reducing environmental impact.
Protects your clothes while preparing dishes.
Suitable for spending several hours in the kitchen.
Jot down recipes or tips during the class.
Take home any extra ingredients or recipe cards.