Best of Bay: Californios

$190 per person

Instructor

Val Cantu

Our Best of Bay classes bring notable, local food talents into our teaching kitchens to share their expertise in a hands-on cooking class.

What You'll Learn

By the end of the class, you will:

  • Learn how to build a basic Mexican pantry
  • Begin to refine your ability to season dishes like a pro
  • Know how to make the staples of Mexican cuisine that can be adapted for any occasion

About This Class

Born as a pop-up, the Michelin-starred Californios is a petit spot offering fine dining based on classic Mexican cooking. Chef Val Cantu has an incredibly deft hand when it comes to seasoning and this class will focus not only how to make the key components of his stellar dishes: Sauces.

The class will focus on the foundational sauces and salsas that can be used and applied to any occasion. Like the mother sauces of French cuisine, we’ll focus on fine-tuning salsas, understanding moles, and how to prepare aguachiles. With these skills down pat, you’ll learn how to apply the techniques to improve your own cooking and broaden your culinary horizons.

Menu

Hamachi Aguachile, Tomato and Chicken Broth, Fresh Tomatillo and Roasted Tomato Salsas, Handmade Duckfat Masa Tortillas, and Crispy Chicken Thighs

Details

  • Wine included
  • Full meal served in class
  • Work in teams
  • Ages 18+

FAQ

What is the format of a typical cooking class?

The average duration of our cooking classes is 4 hours, and they are broken down into three segments: Introductory lecture or demo, hands-on cooking, and eating.

The class will begin with a short discussion or demo from your instructor. After, you can expect to work either on a team or individually to prepare the class menu. As a group, your class will prepare the selected menu in its entirety. In most classes, not every student will make every dish.

Learning happens throughout the class, and your instructor will often call out key techniques as they happen in each recipe.

Most classes conclude by sitting down as a group to eat what you’ve prepared, followed by a discussion of each recipe. You will leave with a copy of the recipe packet and a working knowledge of every dish that was made so you can recreate them at home.

When should I arrive for my class?

Doors open 15 minutes before the class start time.

What do I need to bring with me to class?

You do not need to bring anything with you to class, unless otherwise noted in the class description. The kitchens at SFCS are fully equipped and aprons, recipes, equipment, food and wine are all provided for you. 

Do I need to eat before class?

In most classes, you will be sitting down to eat a complete meal that you have prepared along with your classmates. Since this typically occurs towards the end of the class period, an appetizer or small plate is usually prepared early on in class. However, you’re welcome to additionally have a snack before you arrive or bring one with you.

Please note, for our Baking & Pastry classes, a light meal will be provided for you.

What should I wear to class?

We suggest wearing casual clothing you can easily move around in, and highly recommend wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes. Long hair should be pulled back.

More FAQ

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellation up to two weeks prior to your class start date will be refunded 100%. Cancellations up to 5 days before your class start date will qualify for an online credit to be applied to another class. No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations received less than 5 days before your class start date, however, you may always send a friend in your place if you’re unable to attend.
Please note: Cancellation requests made the day of class are not eligible for a refund or credit, no exceptions. 
View our full cancellation policy

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