BERKELEY EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Spanish Tapas with Chef Olive — Hands-on Small Plates at Kitchen on Fire in Berkeley
A three-hour, hands-on tapas cooking class at Berkeley Kitchen where Chef Olive teaches small-plate recipes, entertaining tips, and beverage pairing.
Spanish Tapas with Chef Olive — Hands-on Small Plates at Kitchen on Fire in Berkeley.
Join Chef Olive at Berkeley Kitchen for a three-hour tapas cooking class that teaches the art of entertaining with small plates. Participants learn easy-to-prepare recipes such as marinated cheese and bomba de patatas, get insider tips on beverage pairing and bar setup, and share the dishes they prepare in a warm, inviting classroom setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Compact, Crowd‑Pleasing Menu
The class focuses on a concise tapas menu designed for entertaining: Marinated Cheese Tapas, Asparagus with Saffron Aioli and Romesco, Bomba de Patatas stuffed with lamb, and a Blood Orange & Almond Cake for dessert.
Lecture, Team Stations, Then Tasting
Each session begins with a lecture on the day’s theme and recipes; the group then breaks into smaller teams to prepare the menu, with a snack served at the start and the dishes you make eaten at the end of class.
Chef Olive Said — Berkeley Culinary Mainstay
Chef Olive, founder of Kitchen on Fire, has been part of Berkeley’s culinary neighborhood for over 20 years, including time as an original owner of Cesar Tapas Bar; his background spans France and California and informs the class’s focus on hospitable, well‑paired small plates.
What the day feels like
What the Class Feels Like
The class combines demonstration and hands‑on work: after an introductory lecture from Chef Olive you break into small teams to prepare the day’s tapas, enjoy a starter snack, and finish by tasting the plates you’ve made together in the kitchen’s convivial space.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this class suits — and who should check the requirements before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The class runs approximately 3 hours.
Berkeley Kitchen — 1509 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709.
Close‑toed shoes are mandatory; shoulder‑length hair or longer must be tied back. You may bring a favorite apron or a personal knife, though aprons and all tools are supplied.
Masks are optional and COVID protocols are subject to change to reflect local and state mandates. No intoxicated students may attend; participants 21+ may bring wine or beer for personal consumption but staff cannot open or serve it.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the class?
The class lasts three hours.
Where does the class meet?
The session is held at Berkeley Kitchen, 1509 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709.
Can I bring wine or beer to class?
Yes. Participants aged 21 and older are invited to bring wine or beer for personal consumption; Kitchen on Fire employees cannot open or serve beverages you bring, and they cannot sell or distribute alcohol in class.
Can I take the food home?
No. Students are welcome to eat as much as they like in class, but the zoning permit does not allow food to be taken home.
What should I wear?
Close‑toed shoes are mandatory; high heels, open‑toed shoes, sandals and flip‑flops are not allowed. Shoulder‑length hair or longer must be worn back away from the face. Aprons and tools are provided, though you may bring your own apron or knife.
What if I have food allergies?
Review the class menu and indicate any allergies on your registration; contact [email protected] if you need the ingredient list double‑checked.