Do I need prior butchery experience?

No prior experience is required; Chef Mat's class is designed for all skill levels.

Will I get to keep the meat I prepare?

Yes, you will take home vacuum-sealed portions of the cuts you work on during the class.

Is the class suitable for vegetarians?

This class involves handling and processing meat and fish, so it may not be suitable for vegetarians.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get stained; an apron is recommended.

Yes, all necessary knives and equipment are supplied for the class.

Is parking available at the venue?

Parking information is not specified; please check with the booking provider for details.

Master the Art of Butchery in Berkeley with Chef Mat | Food Tour

Berkeley, California, long celebrated for its vibrant food scene and culinary innovation, welcomes you to an immersive hands-on experience: Introduction to Butchery with Chef Mat. This class offers food enthusiasts and aspiring home chefs a rare chance to learn precise butchery techniques in a supportive, engaging atmosphere just a short trip from San Francisco. Situated in a city known for its sustainable food culture, this workshop is more than a cooking class—it's a deep dive into the craft behind some of the region's finest dishes.

Chef Mat, a skilled professional with a passion for teaching, guides participants through breaking down a whole chicken, carving a perfectly roasted bird, and filing fish with confident, controlled precision. This curated curriculum demystifies butchery, transforming what many see as a daunting task into an approachable, rewarding skill. The workshop emphasizes both technique and respect for the ingredients, promoting sustainability and mindful cooking practices intrinsic to Berkeley’s culinary identity.

The experience begins with a detailed introduction to cuts and tools, followed by hands-on practice under Chef Mat's expert direction. Participants gain practical know-how on handling poultry and fish, learning how to maximize use and minimize waste. The class also includes a chef-prepared picnic, serving as a flavorful reward and an opportunity to enjoy the local ingredients in a relaxed setting.

What sets this class apart is the take-home element: vacuum-sealed portions of the cuts you prepare, enabling you to apply your new skills in your own kitchen with confidence. This continuity between classroom and home makes the experience invaluable.

Located in Berkeley, a city known for its agricultural roots and progressive food ethos, this workshop fits seamlessly into any visit for travelers interested in food, craft, and sustainability. Whether you're a Bay Area local or a visitor from afar, the Introduction to Butchery by Chef Mat offers both a memorable experience and practical skills.

Berkeley’s proximity to stunning outdoor destinations such as Tilden Regional Park and the San Francisco Bay makes this a perfect combination of urban culinary adventure and nature exploration. After sharpening your knife skills, consider exploring nearby trails or the vibrant farmers markets for a full day of local flavor and landscape.

This class is ideal for anyone eager to deepen their connection to food and improve kitchen confidence. No prior experience is necessary, only curiosity, an appetite for learning, and a readiness to get hands-on.

Bring along a sense of adventure and leave with both expertise and delicious, ready-to-enjoy cuts, making this an essential stop on your culinary exploration of Northern California.

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.