What You'll Learn
By the end of the class you will:
- Know how to prepare a savory and balanced caramel sauce
- Understand the importance of mise-en-place in Vietnamese cooking
- Work with rice paper wrappers to roll spring rolls
About This Class
From the first bite of Hanoi’s classic grilled fish noodle stew to the last sip of Vietnamese coffee, Chef Alex Ong will transport you on a fragrant journey through the beautiful (and delicious) Vietnam. And what better guide than the man who, 20 years ago, opened San Francisco’s renowned Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial?
You’ll work through each dish alongside Chef Alex as he demonstrates the unique Vietnamese techniques of forming delicate shrimp rice cakes, shows you how to master the mad wok “shaking” of that beef tenderloin, and explains why, of course, caramel goes with roasted chicken.
Menu
Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls), Shaking Beef, Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Rice Crepe), Caramelized Claypot Pork, Cha Ca La Vong (Turmeric Sea Bass Stew)
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
Alexander Ong
Alexander was the Chef and managing partner of the beloved Betelnut Pejiu Wu in San Francisco. Born and raised in Malaysia, he apprenticed at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur prior being hired by the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta. In 1995, he moved to San Francisco where he worked with chef Jeremiah Tower at Stars for 3 years. He opened Le Colonial’s kitchen, and then Xanadu in Berkeley, where he was named “Rising Star Chef” by the San Francisco Chronicle.