Our Fundamentals classes are designed to give home cooks a solid foundation of skills for everyday cooking and baking. They will build your confidence, equip you with techniques, and provide you with abundant inspiration in the kitchen.
What You'll Learn
By the end of the class, you will:
- Master basic knife skills
- Know how to properly balance flavors and seasonings
- Learn essential techniques and apply them to a variety of dishes
About This Class
Anyone looking to gain confidence and intuition in the kitchen needs to learn some basic skills and techniques. Cooking Fundamentals Part I, the first half of our flagship 12-week course, is aimed at the novice cook. This class will meet once a week over six weeks from 6-10pm, and during that time, we will show you how to Prep, Plan, Season, Spice, Sauté, and Stew. Each week we will cover methods and ratios that act as “base recipes” from which you’ll be able to prepare many variations.
The toolkit you develop over the course of this series will help you understand the basics of how and why things work in the kitchen, how to make food with balanced flavors and proper seasoning, and how to execute a basic set of fundamentals skills.
Once you complete the series, you can graduate to Fundamentals Two where your focus will dive much deeper into the next level of kitchen skills.
Covid Policy: All students must show proof of vaccine before entering school and masks are now optional. We understand and respect that lifestyle decisions during Covid are an individual choice. If you test positive for Covid while the class is in session, you will be asked to send a friend in your place until you have a negative test. Classes will not be rescheduled, credited or cancelled. Once the class session starts the class is non-refundable. This was our policy pre-Covid and continues to be our policy today. We hope you find this policy acceptable and understand that this policy is required for a small school like SFCS to operate and open our kitchens for great food experiences.
Menu
Session One: PREP
Learn to take control of your chef’s knife: slicing, dicing and improving your prep skills, and understand which kitchen tools are really essential for the home cook. Menu includes: New twists on Deviled Eggs, Oven Roasted Salmon, Seasonal Sautéed Veggies, and a homemade Seasonal Fruit Crumble.
Session Two: PLAN
Learn the art of timing in the kitchen while becoming more efficient through organized prep and planning, or “mise-en-place”. Seasoning food and balancing flavors is an art. We will practice it many times, starting with how to properly use salt. Menu includes: Farmers Market Crostini, Classic Roast Chicken, Creamy Veggie Mash, and your new go-to Cookie you can transform with different fillings.
Session Three: SPICE
Identifying herbs and spices, and knowing when to use them always makes your cooking game stronger. You’ll learn how some basic dishes, such as rice, roasted veggies, and even meatballs are taken to a whole new level once you know how to properly season. Menu includes: Asian-style appetizer Meatballs, classic Italian-style Meatballs in a killer Tomato Sauce, Oven Roasted Veggies, perfect Rice, and Crepes with homemade Caramel Sauce.
Session Four: STOCK UP
Now that you are familiar with proper seasoning with salt and spices, we will practice by preparing homemade stocks and creating delicious soups. With homemade stocks in your pantry, your meals are fast and flavorful. Menu includes: Our take on from-scratch Hummus varieties, Chicken Stocks, a variety of Seasonal Soups, Lyonnaise Salad topped with a perfect poached egg and bakery-worthy Chocolate Mousse.
Session Five: STEW
Braising and Stewing let you take tougher cuts of meat and cook them until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. From a Lamb Tagine to a Coq au Vin, the methods are basically the same and you’ll master them in a way that lets you create your own amazing dishes. You will also start some simple baking lessons with light, fluffy biscuits, and your new go-to basic butter cake. Menu includes: Mile-high Biscuits, Braised Chicken Thighs, Slow Roasted Beef Stew, Melt-in-your-Mouth Pork Shoulder, and fruit-filled Butter Cake.
Session Six: SAUTÉ
Sautéing is an essential cooking method and properly sautéed proteins can be the base for a simple but bold pan sauce once you know a few key tricks. You’ll try several variations. Menu includes: Cheese Gougères, Seared Chicken, Fish, and Pork with Classic Pan Sauces, Vegetable Gratin and Tarts or Crostatas for dessert.
Details
- Wine included
- Full meal served in class
- Work in teams
- Six-session series
- Ages 18+
FAQ
All students must show proof of vaccine before entering school and will be required to wear a mask unless eating/drinking.
We understand and respect that lifestyle decisions during Covid are an individual choice. If you test positive for Covid while the class is in session, you will be asked to send a friend in your place until you have a negative test. Classes will not be rescheduled, credited or cancelled. Once the class session starts the class is non-refundable. This was our policy pre-Covid and continues to be our policy today. We hope you find this policy acceptable and understand that this policy is required for a small school like SFCS to operate and open our kitchens for great food experiences.
The average duration of our current cooking classes is 4 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. Most of the time you’ll be working with a partner or small group on a few different recipes.
Doors will open 10 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 to have their vaccine cards checked the first week of class (these will only need to be checked once).
Please arrive at the school with your own mask on. New, disposable masks are available should you need to replace yours while in class.
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.
You will sit down with your classmates to eat what you’ve all prepared, along with some wine. We do suggest you have a small snack before class as dinner does happen towards the end of each session.
Wear casual clothing you can easily move around in, and comfortable close-toed shoes. Long hair must be pulled back and masks are required while in the building.
Cancellation Policy
Patty Ponciano
After spending almost 20 years leading travelers all over the world and exploring delicious and exotic cuisines, Patty decided to pursue her passion for cooking. She enrolled and graduated from the Professional Culinary Program at San Francisco Cooking School. Patty trained at the highly rated Italian restaurant, Perbacco, in San Francisco where she learned first-hand the intricacies and complexities of food preparation, presentation, and service. Today, Patty works as a private chef, teaches cooking classes, and still makes time to travel.
Eric Lundy
A native Californian with a Midwest upbringing, Eric spent several years as creative director for a premier event/catering company in Detroit and a manager for a Michelin-starred restaurant and specialty food shop in Manhattan. A graduate of San Francisco Cooking School and Francophile who knows how recipes work, Eric is a freelance recipe tester, developer, and food stylist. He’s also a consultant for local food businesses, personal/event chef, and culinary instructor who makes a great drink and throws remarkable dinner parties. When his apron’s off, you can find him cooking, hiking, biking, eating out, entertaining, and exploring great food and wine regions around the globe.
Patty Ponciano
After spending almost 20 years leading travelers all over the world and exploring delicious and exotic cuisines, Patty decided to pursue her passion for cooking. She enrolled and graduated from the Professional Culinary Program at San Francisco Cooking School. Patty trained at the highly rated Italian restaurant, Perbacco, in San Francisco where she learned first-hand the intricacies and complexities of food preparation, presentation, and service. Today, Patty works as a private chef, teaches cooking classes, and still makes time to travel.
David Groff
After graduating from both the California Culinary Academy and Tante Marie’s Cooking School, David spent time teaching cooking classes and working as a line cook at Zuni Cafe and Gioia in San Francisco. He has worked as a personal chef and volunteered with the Bay Area’s largest fish supplier before joining SFCS as Lead Recreational Cooking Instructor. David instructs virtual and in person classes from his company, Mealticketsf.
Eric Lundy
A native Californian with a Midwest upbringing, Eric spent several years as creative director for a premier event/catering company in Detroit and a manager for a Michelin-starred restaurant and specialty food shop in Manhattan. A graduate of San Francisco Cooking School and Francophile who knows how recipes work, Eric is a freelance recipe tester, developer, and food stylist. He’s also a consultant for local food businesses, personal/event chef, and culinary instructor who makes a great drink and throws remarkable dinner parties. When his apron’s off, you can find him cooking, hiking, biking, eating out, entertaining, and exploring great food and wine regions around the globe.
Kirsten Goldberg
Growing up in the Bay Area, Kirsten was exposed to an extraordinary array of foods. This early exposure instilled in her a great curiosity and passion for regional cuisines. At 18 years old, Kirsten studied cooking under the tutelage of Catherine Pantsios before working in restaurants such as Mario Batali’s famous Babbo in New York’s West Village and Nancy Oaks’ Boulevard in San Francisco. Kirsten has worked in restaurant kitchens in Europe and traveled extensively in South East Asia, where she took cooking courses and hung out in the food markets of every city she visited. Kirsten is currently the chef-instructor of the Professional Culinary Program at San Francisco Cooking School.
Jodi Liano
Prior to founding SFCS, Jodi Liano spent 15 years as an instructor at Tante Marie’s Cooking School in San Francisco. She is also a veteran of food media with experience ranging from working the kitchens of the Food Network in New York to recipe development for Bon Appétit magazine to writing multiple cookbooks for Williams-Sonoma, including the popular Cooking from the Farmer’s Market.
David Groff
After graduating from both the California Culinary Academy and Tante Marie’s Cooking School, David spent time teaching cooking classes and working as a line cook at Zuni Cafe and Gioia in San Francisco. He has worked as a personal chef and volunteered with the Bay Area’s largest fish supplier before joining SFCS as Lead Recreational Cooking Instructor. David instructs virtual and in person classes from his company, Mealticketsf.
Eric Lundy
A native Californian with a Midwest upbringing, Eric spent several years as creative director for a premier event/catering company in Detroit and a manager for a Michelin-starred restaurant and specialty food shop in Manhattan. A graduate of San Francisco Cooking School and Francophile who knows how recipes work, Eric is a freelance recipe tester, developer, and food stylist. He’s also a consultant for local food businesses, personal/event chef, and culinary instructor who makes a great drink and throws remarkable dinner parties. When his apron’s off, you can find him cooking, hiking, biking, eating out, entertaining, and exploring great food and wine regions around the globe.
Alie Guico
Alie is an alum of the professional culinary program at San Francisco Cooking School. She spent her externship in the kitchens of the legendary Chez Panisse where she’s still known to pop up every once in a while. She’s a data analyst during the week, but enjoys coming back to SFCS to teach whenever she can. When not working or teaching, Alie can be found in her backyard garden or cooking for her family and friends using her home-grown produce.
Alie Guico
Alie is an alum of the professional culinary program at San Francisco Cooking School. She spent her externship in the kitchens of the legendary Chez Panisse where she’s still known to pop up every once in a while. She’s a data analyst during the week, but enjoys coming back to SFCS to teach whenever she can. When not working or teaching, Alie can be found in her backyard garden or cooking for her family and friends using her home-grown produce.
Emily McFarren
Emily McFarren
Josh Liebeskind
Josh Liebeskind
Patty Ponciano
After spending almost 20 years leading travelers all over the world and exploring delicious and exotic cuisines, Patty decided to pursue her passion for cooking. She enrolled and graduated from the Professional Culinary Program at San Francisco Cooking School. Patty trained at the highly rated Italian restaurant, Perbacco, in San Francisco where she learned first-hand the intricacies and complexities of food preparation, presentation, and service. Today, Patty works as a private chef, teaches cooking classes, and still makes time to travel.
Justin Fertitta
Justin began working in kitchens at age 15 and went on to graduate from the CIA in 2004. He honed his craft in New York restaurants for over a decade, working in many renowned kitchens including Aquavit, The Waldorf Astoria, Five Leaves and Desnuda. He has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, where he draws much of his culinary inspiration. Before relocating to the Bay Area, Justin developed and led a Chef-in-Training program that created culinary opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. He now splits his time as a private chef and a freelance culinary instructor.
Margie Kriebel
After earning a professional culinary certificate from San Francisco Cooking School, Margie founded Local Flavor, a personal chef company providing small event catering services, in-home cooking classes, and recipe testing & development. When she is not in the kitchen cooking, she can be found with local farmers, ranchers, and fisherman learning about their craft and products or cultivating her backyard vegetable and fruit garden. In addition to teaching cooking classes, Margie also helps in the vegetable garden at the local homeless shelter.
Emily McFarren
Josh Liebeskind
Justin Fertitta
Justin began working in kitchens at age 15 and went on to graduate from the CIA in 2004. He honed his craft in New York restaurants for over a decade, working in many renowned kitchens including Aquavit, The Waldorf Astoria, Five Leaves and Desnuda. He has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, where he draws much of his culinary inspiration. Before relocating to the Bay Area, Justin developed and led a Chef-in-Training program that created culinary opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. He now splits his time as a private chef and a freelance culinary instructor.
Patty Ponciano
After spending almost 20 years leading travelers all over the world and exploring delicious and exotic cuisines, Patty decided to pursue her passion for cooking. She enrolled and graduated from the Professional Culinary Program at San Francisco Cooking School. Patty trained at the highly rated Italian restaurant, Perbacco, in San Francisco where she learned first-hand the intricacies and complexities of food preparation, presentation, and service. Today, Patty works as a private chef, teaches cooking classes, and still makes time to travel.
Alie Guico
Alie is an alum of the professional culinary program at San Francisco Cooking School. She spent her externship in the kitchens of the legendary Chez Panisse where she’s still known to pop up every once in a while. She’s a data analyst during the week, but enjoys coming back to SFCS to teach whenever she can. When not working or teaching, Alie can be found in her backyard garden or cooking for her family and friends using her home-grown produce.
Margie Kriebel
After earning a professional culinary certificate from San Francisco Cooking School, Margie founded Local Flavor, a personal chef company providing small event catering services, in-home cooking classes, and recipe testing & development. When she is not in the kitchen cooking, she can be found with local farmers, ranchers, and fisherman learning about their craft and products or cultivating her backyard vegetable and fruit garden. In addition to teaching cooking classes, Margie also helps in the vegetable garden at the local homeless shelter.
Emily McFarren
Josh Liebeskind
Jodi Liano
Prior to founding SFCS, Jodi Liano spent 15 years as an instructor at Tante Marie’s Cooking School in San Francisco. She is also a veteran of food media with experience ranging from working the kitchens of the Food Network in New York to recipe development for Bon Appétit magazine to writing multiple cookbooks for Williams-Sonoma, including the popular Cooking from the Farmer’s Market.
Emily McFarren
Justin Fertitta
Justin began working in kitchens at age 15 and went on to graduate from the CIA in 2004. He honed his craft in New York restaurants for over a decade, working in many renowned kitchens including Aquavit, The Waldorf Astoria, Five Leaves and Desnuda. He has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, where he draws much of his culinary inspiration. Before relocating to the Bay Area, Justin developed and led a Chef-in-Training program that created culinary opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. He now splits his time as a private chef and a freelance culinary instructor.
David Groff
After graduating from both the California Culinary Academy and Tante Marie’s Cooking School, David spent time teaching cooking classes and working as a line cook at Zuni Cafe and Gioia in San Francisco. He has worked as a personal chef and volunteered with the Bay Area’s largest fish supplier before joining SFCS as Lead Recreational Cooking Instructor. David instructs virtual and in person classes from his company, Mealticketsf.
Marc Baltes
Marc graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, then was so impressed with the food on a visit to San Francisco that he decided to make it his home. He worked in the kitchens of Zuni Café, Quince and Pizzaiolo, then became head chef of Boot and Shoe Service in 2011, a position he held until 2017 when he joined SFCS full time as a chef instructor.
Patty Ponciano
After spending almost 20 years leading travelers all over the world and exploring delicious and exotic cuisines, Patty decided to pursue her passion for cooking. She enrolled and graduated from the Professional Culinary Program at San Francisco Cooking School. Patty trained at the highly rated Italian restaurant, Perbacco, in San Francisco where she learned first-hand the intricacies and complexities of food preparation, presentation, and service. Today, Patty works as a private chef, teaches cooking classes, and still makes time to travel.
Josh Liebeskind
Margie Kriebel
After earning a professional culinary certificate from San Francisco Cooking School, Margie founded Local Flavor, a personal chef company providing small event catering services, in-home cooking classes, and recipe testing & development. When she is not in the kitchen cooking, she can be found with local farmers, ranchers, and fisherman learning about their craft and products or cultivating her backyard vegetable and fruit garden. In addition to teaching cooking classes, Margie also helps in the vegetable garden at the local homeless shelter.
Justin Fertitta
Justin began working in kitchens at age 15 and went on to graduate from the CIA in 2004. He honed his craft in New York restaurants for over a decade, working in many renowned kitchens including Aquavit, The Waldorf Astoria, Five Leaves and Desnuda. He has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, where he draws much of his culinary inspiration. Before relocating to the Bay Area, Justin developed and led a Chef-in-Training program that created culinary opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. He now splits his time as a private chef and a freelance culinary instructor.
Margie Kriebel
After earning a professional culinary certificate from San Francisco Cooking School, Margie founded Local Flavor, a personal chef company providing small event catering services, in-home cooking classes, and recipe testing & development. When she is not in the kitchen cooking, she can be found with local farmers, ranchers, and fisherman learning about their craft and products or cultivating her backyard vegetable and fruit garden. In addition to teaching cooking classes, Margie also helps in the vegetable garden at the local homeless shelter.
Alie Guico
Alie is an alum of the professional culinary program at San Francisco Cooking School. She spent her externship in the kitchens of the legendary Chez Panisse where she’s still known to pop up every once in a while. She’s a data analyst during the week, but enjoys coming back to SFCS to teach whenever she can. When not working or teaching, Alie can be found in her backyard garden or cooking for her family and friends using her home-grown produce.
David Groff
After graduating from both the California Culinary Academy and Tante Marie’s Cooking School, David spent time teaching cooking classes and working as a line cook at Zuni Cafe and Gioia in San Francisco. He has worked as a personal chef and volunteered with the Bay Area’s largest fish supplier before joining SFCS as Lead Recreational Cooking Instructor. David instructs virtual and in person classes from his company, Mealticketsf.
Josh Liebeskind
Margie Kriebel
After earning a professional culinary certificate from San Francisco Cooking School, Margie founded Local Flavor, a personal chef company providing small event catering services, in-home cooking classes, and recipe testing & development. When she is not in the kitchen cooking, she can be found with local farmers, ranchers, and fisherman learning about their craft and products or cultivating her backyard vegetable and fruit garden. In addition to teaching cooking classes, Margie also helps in the vegetable garden at the local homeless shelter.
Alie Guico
Alie is an alum of the professional culinary program at San Francisco Cooking School. She spent her externship in the kitchens of the legendary Chez Panisse where she’s still known to pop up every once in a while. She’s a data analyst during the week, but enjoys coming back to SFCS to teach whenever she can. When not working or teaching, Alie can be found in her backyard garden or cooking for her family and friends using her home-grown produce.
David Groff
After graduating from both the California Culinary Academy and Tante Marie’s Cooking School, David spent time teaching cooking classes and working as a line cook at Zuni Cafe and Gioia in San Francisco. He has worked as a personal chef and volunteered with the Bay Area’s largest fish supplier before joining SFCS as Lead Recreational Cooking Instructor. David instructs virtual and in person classes from his company, Mealticketsf.
Patty Ponciano
After spending almost 20 years leading travelers all over the world and exploring delicious and exotic cuisines, Patty decided to pursue her passion for cooking. She enrolled and graduated from the Professional Culinary Program at San Francisco Cooking School. Patty trained at the highly rated Italian restaurant, Perbacco, in San Francisco where she learned first-hand the intricacies and complexities of food preparation, presentation, and service. Today, Patty works as a private chef, teaches cooking classes, and still makes time to travel.