A Night in Rome with Chef Mat — Hands-on Roman Cooking in Oakland

OAKLAND COOKING CLASS FIELD GUIDE

A Night in Rome with Chef Mat — Hands-on Roman Cooking in Oakland

A focused, three-hour class at Berkeley Kitchen where Chef Mat leads a collaborative dive into Roman dishes—buccatini alla gricia, porchetta and more—so you leave having cooked and eaten authentic recipes.

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A Night in Rome with Chef Mat — Hands-on Roman Cooking in Oakland.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Oakland
Operator
Kitchen on Fire
Category
Cooking Class
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Join Chef Mat for a concentrated three-hour culinary journey into Roman cuisine at Berkeley Kitchen in Oakland. The class pairs a brief lecture with hands-on team cooking so participants not only learn the history and technique behind classics like buccatini alla gricia and porchetta, but also prepare and eat the dishes they make in a collaborative kitchen setting.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FOOD

Roman classics: buccatini, artichokes and porchetta

The menu is a compact study in Roman flavors: Insalata con Acciughe, twice-cooked stuffed carciofi, Buccatini alla Gricia with Pecorino and cured pork, a rolled Porchetta seasoned with fennel and herbs, finished with affogato for dessert.

THE FORMAT

Lecture, teams and a shared meal

Each class begins with a chef’s lecture on the day’s theme and recipes, then breaks into small teams for hands-on work; a snack is served at the start and everyone eats the dishes they’ve prepared at the end of class.

THE CHEF

Chef Mat — Bay Area experience with Italian roots

Mat Wertlieb brings training from the Culinary Institute of America and years of Bay Area restaurant and teaching experience; his classes draw on travels to Italy and a lifetime around professional kitchens.

What the day feels like

What the evening feels like

The rhythm is compact and hands-on: a short, focused lecture from the chef, a light snack, then teams form and move through the day’s menu stations. You’ll work with peers on technique and timing, then sit down together to taste the dishes you’ve cooked over the three-hour session.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this class—and who should think twice:

1
Food-loving couplesIdeal for couples who want a hands-on evening together; note classes are priced per individual rather than per couple.
2
Home cooks looking to learn techniquePerfect for cooks eager to practice pasta technique, roasting porchetta and classic Roman preparations in a taught, team-based environment.
3
Beginners and intermediate cooksThe class format suits cooks of varying skill levels—Chef Mat provides instruction and teams work collaboratively—though participants should be able to stand and work in a kitchen for three hours.
4
Guests with allergies or under-age attendeesNot ideal for anyone with food allergies who cannot confirm ingredient safety in advance; alcohol rules restrict drinking to those 21 and older and minors cannot participate in drinking during class.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The class runs for three hours.

What to Bring

Closed-toed shoes are mandatory; shoulder-length hair or longer must be tied back. You may bring a favorite apron or a personal knife, although aprons and tools are supplied.

Logistics & Meeting Point

Meet at Berkeley Kitchen (the listed location for the class).

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the class?

The class duration is three hours.

Where do we meet?

The class meets at Berkeley Kitchen.

Can I bring wine or beer?

Participants who are 21 or older may bring wine or beer for personal consumption; staff cannot open or serve beverages and the operator cannot sell alcohol.

Can I take food home from class?

No—due to the kitchen’s zoning permit, students cannot take food home; you may eat as much as you’d like during class.

What should I wear?

Closed-toed shoes are mandatory; high heels, open-toed shoes, sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. Shoulder-length hair or longer must be tied back.

How are classes priced?

Classes are priced per individual, not per couple.

What if I have food allergies?

Indicate any allergies on your class registration and contact the operator to double-check ingredient lists at [email protected] if you have concerns.