
Our Best of Bay classes bring notable, local food talents into our teaching kitchens to share their expertise in a hands-on cooking class.
About This Class
There is a lot of Mexican food in San Francisco but Nopalito is exceptional. Cooking from scratch (as in grinding their own masa!) is their ethos and leaning how to emulate this outstanding cuisine from chef/owner Gonzalo Guzman is an amazing experience.
Chef Gonzalo will bring in some Nixtamal and show you how to use it to create tortillas, chilaquiles, and tamales. You’ll pair them with a variety of salsas and sides to create an authentic Mexican menu. You’ll learn what fills a Mexican pantry, how to find the best ingredients for these dishes around the Bay Area, and a few chef’s secrets for making the prep and cooking of them adaptable to your home kitchen.
Menu
Ceviche, Hand-made Tortillas, Chilaquiles, Tamales, Beans, Salsas, and more
Details
- Wine included
- Full meal served in class
- Work in teams
- Suitable for vegetarians
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
Gonzalo Guzman

Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, Chef Gonzalo came to San Francisco in the early 90’s. After spending 12 years working in the restaurant industry, including restaurants such as Kokkari and Boulevard, he landed at Nopa where he eventually hatched the idea to open Nopalito with Nopa’s chef/owner Laurence Jossel. They now have two locations, a thriving catering business, and an upcoming cookbook as well.