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Tuscan Cooking Class

Dine like the Medici and learn to cook a feast inspired by Florence in this hands-on cooking class in Oakland!

Chef Mat Wertleib

Kitchen on Fire

5.0 (19)

5k followers

ClassBento donates with every booking to

3 hours

1 to 12 (public classes), 10 to 30 (private) (private classes)

$195

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Overview

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Teacher

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What you'll do

Craving an Italian escape without hopping on a plane? Join us for a Tuscan cooking class in Oakland inspired by the rich flavors and timeless charm of Florence—Firenze to its natives.

In this hands-on cooking class, Chef Mat Wertlieb will guide you through a mouthwatering menu of classic Florentine dishes. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, you’ll learn to prepare traditional favorites like ribollita, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and rustic regional sides and desserts that celebrate the heart of Tuscany.

Each session begins with a lively introduction from Chef Mat, who’ll share stories and techniques behind the day’s recipes. Then, in small teams, you’ll dive into the cooking process with plenty of time for questions and personalized guidance. Enjoy a small snack to start, then sit down together to savor the full Italian meal you’ve created. (Please note: due to zoning, food cannot be taken home.)

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a fun outing with friends, or simply want to learn how to cook like a true Florentine, this cooking class offers the perfect taste of Italy—right here in Oakland!

You will learn how to make:

Panzanella, tomato conserva, capers, basil, and pickled shallots
Broccoli Rabe, chili, anchovy, garlic
Pork Sugo with fresh-cut pappardelle, sage, rosemary, chili
Bistecca Fiorentina, porterhouse steak char-grilled over wild arugula
Buttermilk panna cotta, vanilla bean, fresh fruit

Please Note

Masks are optional
COVID protocols are subject to change to reflect local and state mandates.
If you think you might be allergic to anything on the menu, please get in touch prior to your class.
Due to our zoning permit, we are not able to allow students to take food home.

What you'll get

Appetizers at the start of class
All of the ingredients and use of kitchen tools to make your recipes
Your home-cooked meal
Recipes prior to the class

See available dates, Request a private class or Gift

See booking options

Knowledge required

Perfect for beginners.

What to bring

BYOB for ages 21+
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.

Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, birthday or bachelorette party.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mom or gift for couples.

Location

Kitchen On Fire - 6506 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94608

More info

This class is new, and this teacher has 19 reviews (5 ) for their other experiences - which you can see here.

This class is covered by ClassBento's money-back guarantee.

ClassBento is rated 4.9 with 12k+ reviews from ClassBento, Google, Trustpilot, and more.

Your teacher

Chef Mat Wertleib

Growing up in a family full of chefs and kosher 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 Israel furthered his exposure and passion for the various cuisines of the world. Chef Mat now works part-time at Gather restaurant when he is not teaching classes with the Kitchen on Fire team.

Your host

Kitchen on Fire

5.0 (19)

5k followers

Kitchen on Fire offers hands-on cooking experiences in Berkeley and Oakland. Since 2005, Chef Olive and professional chef instructors have been sharing their knowledge and love for cooking through public classes, team-building and corporate wellness events. Lisa Miller teaches classes with a nutrition focus, promoting healthy living through meals made with high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

With a deep passion for sharing delicious food and life-long dedication to healthy living, co-owners Olivier Said and Lisa Miller can be found in the kitchen or working with students or clients in some capacity every day of the week.