easy
2–3 hours
No special fitness level required, but be prepared for standing and light movement
Discover the art of burger-making with Chef Mat in Oakland, blending culinary tradition with hands-on fun. Perfect for food lovers seeking a tasty, engaging experience.
Oakland • Fri, July 25
Join a nostalgic cooking class at Oakland Kitchen and master the art of classic burgers! Bake fresh buns, grill patties, and create homemade fries, ketchup, and pickles. Enjoy your delicious creations, including a frosty root beer float, in a fun, hands-on environment led by experienced Chef Mat. Perfect for comfort food lovers!
3 hours
Oakland Kitchen - 6506 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608
Rediscover the charm of a classic burger joint in this nostalgic cooking class. Bake fresh buns, shape and grill patties, fry up crispy fries, and make old-fashioned pickles and ketchup from scratch. Finish with a timeless treat: a root beer float. Perfect for home cooks who love tradition and comfort food.
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.
Book your spot early, as classes fill quickly.
Cooking involves movement; dress casually and prepare for messes.
Jot down tips and recipes to recreate at home.
Focus on the fun of learning rather than perfection.
Oakland has a rich culinary history influenced by diverse immigrant communities since the early 20th century.
The kitchen emphasizes sustainable sourcing and waste reduction to promote environmentally friendly practices.
Keeps clothes clean and adds a fun, personal touch to your cooking experience.
Capture recipes and tips to remember your favorite techniques.
Wear clothes suitable for kitchen activities and potential spills.
Stay hydrated throughout the class.