Experience Authentic Italian Flavors: Culinary Tour of Italy with Chef Mat in Berkeley

Duration

3 hours

Location

Oakland Kitchen - 6506 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608

Summary

The history of Italian regional cooking is a love story between the people and the ingredients that grow locally in each region. The relationship between the land and the cuisine creates timeless Italian classics that utilize the freshest local products and flavors that generations around the world enjoy. In this class Chef Mat Wertlieb will take you on a tour that will include the food of Rome, Florence, Naples and others, and teach you how to cook some of his favorite dishes from his travels.

Menu

• Emilia-Romagna- Wild Arugula Salad with Prosciutto Di Parma, Aged Balsamic and Pears
• Campania- Eggplant Puttanesca with Capers
• Lazio- Brocolli Rabe with Anchovy & Chili Flake
• Umbria- Seared Pork Chop with White Wine Sauce

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 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.

Happy Cooking!