BERKELEY EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Hands-On Puerto Rican Empanadas with Chef Ansarys in Berkeley
A 3‑hour, hands-on cooking class at Berkeley Kitchen where Chef Ansarys guides small teams through making empanada dough, fillings and traditional sauces so you leave with sharpened skills and a meal you prepared.
Hands-On Puerto Rican Empanadas with Chef Ansarys in Berkeley.
In a compact, professional kitchen on Shattuck Avenue, Chef Ansarys leads a focused, hands-on workshop that traces the arc of a street-food classic: from dough to filling to sauce. The class condenses technique, regional flavor and communal cooking into a three-hour session designed for participants to cook in teams and eat what they make.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Puerto Rican Empanadas, from Dough to Sauce
Learn to mix and shape empanada dough and prepare multiple fillings—Puerto Rican beef picadillo, stewed chicken and a sofrito butter vegetable option—rounded out by cabbage‑avocado slaw and house sauces.
Guidance from Chef Ansarys
Chef Ansarys brings a background in pastry and hands‑on teaching, guiding the group through demonstration and team work so participants gain practical, repeatable techniques.
Lecture, Teamwork and a Shared Meal
Each session begins with a chef’s lecture, breaks into small teams for hands‑on prep and ends with everyone eating the dishes they’ve prepared—though zoning rules prevent taking food home.
What the day feels like
What the class feels like
Expect a tightly run, social kitchen class: a short chef’s talk sets out the day’s recipes, participants split into small teams to roll dough, cook fillings and assemble empanadas, and the session closes with a communal meal of the results. Snacks are served at the start, and the kitchen supplies aprons and tools for every student.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this class suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The class runs for 3 hours at the Berkeley Kitchen location on Shattuck Avenue.
Close‑toed shoes are mandatory; shoulder‑length hair or longer must be tied back. You may bring a personal apron or knife, though aprons and all necessary tools are provided.
A snack is served at the beginning of class and students eat what they prepare at the end; tools and aprons are supplied by the kitchen.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the class?
The class duration is 3 hours.
Where does the class meet?
The class meets at Berkeley Kitchen, 1509 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709.
Can I take the food I make home?
No — the kitchen’s zoning permit does not allow students to take food home.
What should I wear and bring?
Close‑toed shoes are required and long hair must be tied back. You may bring a favorite apron or a knife to practice with, but aprons and all tools are provided.
Can I bring wine or beer?
Yes; participants 21 and older may bring wine or beer for personal consumption, but Kitchen on Fire staff cannot open or serve beverages and cannot sell alcohol on site.
What if I have food allergies?
Indicate allergies on your class registration and contact [email protected] if you need a detailed ingredient list or have concerns.