Do I need baking experience?

No experience is necessary; this class is designed for all skill levels.

Can I bring my own dietary restrictions?

Please inform the business before class if you have any dietary needs or allergies.

Comfortable clothing and an apron are recommended for hands-on participation.

Will I get to eat what I make?

Absolutely! The class concludes with tasting the baked focaccia and salad.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

This workshop is best suited for ages 12 and up with adult supervision if needed.

Can I book as a group?

Yes, group bookings are available—perfect for teams, friends, or special occasions.

Culinary Workshop & Italian Baking at Kitchen on Fire

Nestled in the vibrant city of Berkeley, Kitchen on Fire offers a unique chance to step into the world of Italian baking with Chef Maria. This hands-on focaccia workshop is perfect for food lovers eager to master a classic bread and enjoy authentic flavors in a welcoming environment. Over three hours, Chef Maria guides participants through creating fluffy, golden focaccia topped with herbs and olive oil, alongside a refreshing farro salad bursting with seasonal ingredients. What makes this experience exceptional is not just the delicious results but the warm, instructional style of Chef Maria, who shares tips rooted in authentic Italian traditions.

Berkeley, known for its eclectic food scene and lively culture, provides the perfect backdrop for this culinary adventure. The workshop emphasizes teamwork and learning, making it suitable for all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned cooks. Attendees leave with new techniques, a deepened appreciation for Italian baking, and a sense of accomplishment. The cozy kitchen setting fosters community and the joy of shared culinary discovery.

Participants are encouraged to get involved in every step, from mixing dough to savoring their freshly baked focaccia. The class concludes with tasting the fruits of their labor while sharing stories and recipes. Ideal for a weekend activity or a fun date, this experience offers a flavorful glimpse into Italian cuisine right in the heart of Berkeley.

Whether you're a local looking to improve your baking skills or a traveler seeking a cultural taste experience, this workshop delivers a memorable, hands-on culinary journey, leaving you with new skills and a delicious story to tell.

About Kitchen on Fire

Kitchen on Fire is a hands-on cooking school and event producer that offers a broad calendar of culinary workshops, multi-week series, camps, and virtual classes. The school presents technique-driven, chef-led experiences ranging from single-session workshops to 12-week fundamentals courses. Classes focus on regional cuisines, baking, pastry, vegetarian and seasonal cooking — examples include Italian pasta and breads, Indian and Burmese dishes, Middle Eastern street food, Mexican and Latin specialties, and classic bistro techniques.

Chef-led offerings feature named instructors and visiting chefs, with programs such as multi-week Basics of Cooking series, themed nights like A Night in Florence and A Night in Rome, specialized workshops including ricotta and doughnuts, and seasonal pie and baking classes. Kitchen on Fire also runs teen camps, school-break day camps, and virtual workshops to reach learners at different levels and schedules.

Instruction emphasizes hands-on practice, practical skills like knife work and recipe fundamentals, and communal dining of the dishes created during class. Many classes run three hours or longer; multi-week series provide progressive skill development. In addition to in-person workshops, the organization publishes virtual classes and instructional series led by its roster of chefs.

Kitchen on Fire’s program diversity — from single-session craft workshops to immersive multi-week courses and teen camps — reflects a commitment to accessible, skill-focused culinary education. The school’s transparent class descriptions, named instructors, and recurring series offer prospective students clear expectations and opportunities to build lasting cooking skills. Class sizes vary to prioritize engagement, hands-on practice, and personalized instructor feedback for students.