easy
3 hours
No prior fitness required, just enthusiasm for cooking
Experience the art of Japanese small plates in this lively cooking class with Chef Mat. Learn techniques, enjoy your creations, and immerse yourself in Japanese culinary culture—perfect for food lovers seeking a fun, hands-on adventure.
Oakland - Fri, Oct 30
Join Chef Mat for an immersive 3-hour class exploring the vibrant world of Izakaya, casual Japanese dining. Learn to create delicious small plates like Tempura and Yakitori in a hands-on environment. Enjoy a snack, collaborate with fellow food enthusiasts, and savor your culinary creations in a lively pub-style setting.
3 hours
Oakland Kitchen - 6506 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608
Izakaya is a type of casual Japanese cuisine featuring small plates and snacks, served in a pub-style environment. This is the perfect class for those who want to explore casual Japanese cuisine. Chef Mat will show you how to make a variety of some of the most popular dishes from informal Japanese bars. Whether you're new to Japanese cooking or just looking for some new and exciting recipes, this class celebrates a variety of small bites with big flavor. Note: gluten free options available for the below menu items.
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 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.
Come hungry to enjoy and share all the delicious dishes you'll prepare.
Arriving punctually ensures you don’t miss any essential steps in the class.
Participate actively to get the most out of the hands-on experience.
Wear clothes suitable for cooking and getting a little messy.
Kitchen on Fire has been a community staple since its opening in 2010, known for blending multicultural cuisines with teaching.
The business sources ingredients locally whenever possible to support sustainable agriculture and reduce carbon footprint.
Protect your clothes while working in the kitchen.
Take notes on techniques to try at home.
Stand comfortably during the cooking class.
Take home leftovers or samples.