
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:
- Know how to properly cook proteins on the bone
- Be able to get the most flavors out of simply cooked vegetables
- Be able to balance seasonal bitter greens with a perfect handmade vinaigrette
About This Class
The always bustling kitchen at the Mission’s Locanda practices whole animal butchery, in-house salumi production, live-fire cooking, and uses the best of the season to cook inspired Roman food influenced by the bounty of Northern California. At its helm is chef Melissa Reitz, who will be in our kitchen to show you how to translate some Locanda magic into your own home kitchen.
We love it when chefs of Melissa’s caliber teach in our kitchens. She will explain tricks of the trade and how to pull them off whether you’re cooking in a restaurant or a tiny SF apartment. Roasting whole fish? No problem! Braising a lamb shoulder? You’ll nail that one, too. Join us for this Roman-style feast and bring a little more of Italy into your life.
Menu
Roasted Whole Fish with Nepitella, Mint, and Lemon, Slow-cooked Lamb Shoulder with Gaeta Olives and Thyme, Grilled Fennel and Little Potatoes, and Chicory Salad with Anchovy, Lemon, and Parmesan
Details
- Wine included
- Full meal served in class
- Work in teams
- Ages 18+
FAQ
The average duration of our current cooking classes is 2 hours, which is predominately hands-on work. You will be standing for the majority of class, cooking at your work station as your instructor demonstrates techniques and walks around providing individual feedback.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, we can not have students congregate in the building before class starts. Doors will open 5 minutes prior to class starting and we will begin promptly on time. Students will be asked to queue up outside the door of the school, safely distanced (sidewalks are clearly marked) and will be let in the school just before class begins.
Please arrive at the school with your own mask on. You will be given a new, disposable mask to wear in class to ensure what you have on hasn’t been contaminated prior to entering SFCS. We will have extras available should you need one while at school.
Wear comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes (remember, you’ll be on your feet cooking). The kitchens at SFCS are fully equipped with everything else you need, including clean aprons.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, we will not be serving food or drinks during class, We will, however, be sending you home with both ingredients and finished food items so you can enjoy them later, and practice as well.
Wear casual clothing you can easily move around in, and comfortable close-toed shoes. Long hair must be pulled back and masks, provided by SFCS, are required while in the building.
Cancellation Policy
Melissa Reitz

Melissa Reitz has been cooking California and Italian cuisine in the Bay Area for 13 years. Before her current job as chef de cuisine at Osteria Locanda, she was the executive chef at Bar Agricole and cooked at Quince Restaurant, Zuni Cafe, Camino, and Pizzaiolo.