Do I need prior cooking experience?

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

Is the class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, many tapas recipes can be adapted or include vegetarian options—please notify in advance.

Are beverages included?

The class includes beverage pairing guidance, but alcoholic drinks are not included.

Can I bring guests not participating in the cooking?

Guests must be registered participants to attend due to space and safety regulations.

Is parking available near Berkeley Kitchen?

Yes, there are several public parking options nearby, including street parking and garages.

Will I get a recipe booklet?

Participants typically receive printed recipes to take home for easy reference.

Master Spanish Tapas Cooking in Berkeley with Chef Olive | Events | Food Tour

Located in the vibrant culinary scene of Berkeley, California, "Spanish Tapas with Chef Olive" offers an immersive and hands-on cooking experience that captures the essence of Spain’s beloved small-plate tradition. This three-hour class takes place at Berkeley Kitchen, where guests step into a warmly inviting atmosphere and learn how to craft classic Spanish tapas dishes under the expert guidance of Chef Olive. Renowned for blending traditional techniques with a fresh, approachable style, Chef Olive leads participants through each carefully curated recipe, turning the art of entertaining into an accessible skill.

The session focuses on authentic tapas such as marinated cheeses bursting with flavor and bomba de patatas, a popular Spanish potato croquette known for its crispy exterior and creamy interior. These dishes highlight Spain’s knack for combining simple, high-quality ingredients with nuanced seasoning and texture contrasts. Alongside cooking, the class provides insider beverage pairing tips, offering insights into how wine and other drinks complement the nuanced flavors of tapas, enriching the dining experience.

Berkeley’s rich food culture provides the perfect backdrop for this engaging class. Known for its innovative culinary spirit and farm-to-table ethos, the city offers a fresh ingredient base that elevates each dish prepared during the workshop. What sets this experience apart is not only the quality of instruction but also the opportunity to enjoy your creations in a setting designed to encourage conversation and connection, much like a traditional Spanish tapas bar.

This class is ideal for home cooks wanting to expand their repertoire and travelers looking for a unique, interactive cultural experience in the Bay Area. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a new adventure in flavor and technique, "Spanish Tapas with Chef Olive" invites you to bring a touch of Spain into your kitchen. The hands-on nature ensures you leave confident in replicating these dishes at home, while the social atmosphere makes it a memorable outing.

Beyond the kitchen, Berkeley itself is a hub for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with hiking trails and markets nearby, making this cooking class an excellent complement to any visit. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, this experience offers a deep dive into Spanish cuisine that goes beyond recipes to embrace the convivial spirit of tapas dining.

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.