First Class Cooking
Category: Cooking Schools [Edit]
Neighborhood: Pacific HeightsSacramento St & Gough St
San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 573-2453
16 reviews
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
"It's a great location overlooking the water, with a fun little patio that was perfect on the sunny day when we went. We ended up joining…" read more »
46 Reviews for First Class Cooking
I got a gift certificate for my birthday, and I finally used it recently. Emily's new space in SOMA is great, very accessible and open. The class is geared toward a slightly less experienced cook than me, but it was still useful to ask Emily a bunch of questions and get good answers. The food came out tasty, although not quite authentically Brazilian. I enjoyed the experience overall but the biggest problem is scheduling the class. It took me several attempts over 4 months to actually schedule one class. The trick is to schedule it as soon as the calendar comes out on the last day of the month.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Emily was wonderful in hosting us with a company team building excercise. Starting off, she was very accomdating since we had a large team of 15 individuals. We planned the menu from appetizers to dessert, from her selection of meals. We also brought our own wine for pairing.
Our entire team enjoyed participating in the activities from blending, cutting, asking questions on basic cooking tips...Emily was just the best host.
I would love to do this again with my girlfriends...
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I tell people that I can't cook, but if the situation calls for it, I probably can. It's just not particularly tasty or anything I would serve to anyone else. Sure, cooking takes practice, but aside from the laziness/too-tired-after-work factor, there's also the "my mom kicks me out of the kitchen" factor. Whenever I am about to head out for a potluck, she'll come in and take over. Those delicious ribs at the potluck last year? Yeah, not me! It's almost like being in elementary school again when the parents were really the ones behind all the food. I've tried following recipes, and they don't usually come out right. Can't even follow simple directions - I hang my head in shame.
So when my company recently sponsored several cooking/team-building events, I signed myself up immediately. One of the classes was with Emily Della, the gal behind First Class Cooking. Emily is great, and her classes are fun and social. Several dishes are prepared at once, and after demonstrating what to do with the ingredients, you can just jump right in. Once everything is finished, you can sit down and enjoy the meal with the rest of the group. Classes range from $55 to $80 [California cuisine to Vietnamese to Brazilian to Mediterranean], which seems pretty average for cooking classes.
More importantly, bring wine!
Our menu consisted of the following:
Quinoa Tabouleh - super healthy, we made this with a bit of mango.
Jalapeno Spiked Mac and Cheese - tasty with a spicy kick.
Basil and Pine Nut Crusted Salmon - YUM! I had my hands all over these during prep time. That was the only proper way to get all the basil and pine nut all over the salmon.
Chocolate Souffle - one was a little overcooked, but Emily made this one seem a lot easier than what most people would think.
I took the recipes home and tried making the mac and cheese for a potluck the next day. Didn't do so well.
Since the parents are out of town for the next few weeks, when I am not imposing myself on friends or inviting them out for dinner somewhere [Week One is already planned out. It's actually a great way to catch up!], I might be trying my luck at not burning the house down with one of the recipes from the class. Or maybe I'll stick to something simple from Trader Joe's.
People thought this was:
Useful (15)
Funny (14)
Cool (17)
My fiance and I went to Emily's last weekend. Super duper yummy food and she somehow makes it all look so easy! I am clumsy, awkward and intimidated by many kitchen appliances. Her class takes the intimidation factor out of cooking.
She also has a very wide knowledge of food, nutrients, stores, resources, etc.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (2)
I've been three times, and I'm happier with it every time. Emily has such a great wealth of knowledge. The classes are fun and social, and I really enjoy participating as we go. The best, and unique, thing about this class is that you really could work on every dish if you wanted. I love how she works this out.
To echo another warning, though - sign up the day you get the calendar...she's popular!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I'd recommend this cooking class more as a social cooking experience than an actual learning one. Maybe the problem was that we started off a bit too successfully in making cocktails, and then the rest of the "class" was a touch of a blur. I mean, everyone was having a good time and all, but not everyone gets to - or cares to - participate in each of the dishes being put together.
Emily herself is lovely - she explains everything that's going on, tell you where she buys stuff, the reasons why things get cooked a certain way, and makes sure that no matter what skill you have coming in, that you'll be able to participate.
If you want something fun and somewhat educational to do with a friend or a group, by all means this is a great activity in a spectacular home. But if you're really seriously trying to up your cooking game, I'd say keep looking for something more structured, with individual stations where everyone can have a chance to work on all the dishes.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Wonderful experience with one exception. The timeframe needs to be slightly extended so that we don't wolf down our food at the end. I don't see that anyone else mentioned this so maybe it was just my class but we ate REALLY fast and then it was clear it was time to go. I hope Emily sees this and notes that an add'l 30 minutes added to the class so we have time to relax over the meal would make this a 5-star experience. Emily herself is wonderful - very friendly and a good teacher. Her recipes (especially the chickpea & rosemary soup) were fabulous. The home in which the lessons are given is beautiful though I understood new facilities are being built elsewhere. I'm sure they'll be just as fabulous. Definitely, definitely go. Very fun and unique experience. Very affordable in comparison to other Bay Area cooking classes.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Emily is terrific.
I've been twice and although I'm no foodie, my friend Amy is one and she loved it. Emily has an encyclopedic knowledge of food.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
A nice experience, though I don't think I'd shell out $55 to do it again. The friend I went obviously loved it more - because it was her THIRD class!
The one thing that surprised/disappointed me was the fact we didn't each have our own individual cooking stations. Instead, the group simply stood in the large kitchen and watched as Emily explained and initiated each step - then one of us stepped up to finish it - be it chopping, stirring, mixing, what have you.
Emily's very professional and approachable, and overall it was a pleasant experience. The best part? My friend and I were able to recreate two of the four dishes (we were lazy) last night by simply following the recipes. :)
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I consistently rave about First Class Cooking and its proprietor, Emily Dellas. Her cooking lessons are, perhaps, the best-kept social secret in San Francisco. I've taken at least one class per month since I found First Class Cooking in mid-2007.
The classes, which are taught out of Emily's haute Victorian home in Pacific Heights, are small (10-12 people). Students tend to be idiosyncratic foodies in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties (my age range). And, there is no shame in coming to class alone.
In fact, the class format is ideal for mixing. Instead of demonstrating how to make each dish, Emily starts students off with instruction, asking them to jump in and participate in the cooking; everyone cooks the meal together. How can you avoid conversation when you and a stranger are standing at neighboring cutting boards with eyes watering as you mince shallots? As the cooking winds down, all attendees shuffle into Emily's dining room to share the meal they've just prepared. It's the most lovely end to each class.
The icing on the cake is that Emily's recipes are simple, impressive, and consistent. I cooked Christmas dinner for 12 this past year. Half of the meal came out of what I've learned from her. Everyone raved!
I only have two cautionary notes. 1) First Class Cooking is an expensive habit. 2) The classes fill up fast. So, sign up for Emily's mailing list and be waiting by your computer when next month's offerings are announced.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I'm not a cook. It's not a general dislike of it, it's that it's often not a good use of my time since I'd be cooking for 1. As a result of my non-cookdom, I never developed any kitchen skills outside of mixing things with a wooden spoon, using a microwave, or boiling water. Knowing that this is not exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life, I've decided that I need to start learning my way around a kitchen.
I heard about First Class Cooking through a friend of mine who had taken a few of her classes before. He warned me that if I see an opening, to book it ASAP since her classes fill up fast, and they fill up quickly they do. I was originally wait listed for her class, but she found an open evening and put together an overflow class which I was able to get in.
The cooking is all done in Emily's kitchen at home, which was a beautiful venue to start out. We prepared a 4 course meal along with mojitos for while we were cooking. I was, of course, nervous, but she guided us along and I found that a lot of what we were doing wasn't hard for me to do, it's just that I don't have the kitchen confidence for it. I definitely gained a good amount taking this class. By the end of the evening, I had been involved in the preparation and cooking of shrimp skewers, had made a few crepes, and assisted with a variety of other dishes. To finish it all off, we sat down and ate.
An incredible experience and you never feel like you're behind the curve at anything here.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (3)
Cool (5)
I went to the South American Splendor class the other night and had a pretty good time, we made:
Pisco Sours - Was a little sour for me.
Avocado Lime Soup w. Crab - Was kind of bland.
Black Bean Feijoada - Was great!
Peruvian Aji Chile Chicken - Was great!
Dulce de Leche filled Crepes - Was great!
Overall had a good time and Emily was very friendly and helpful if there were questions. She provided a few good cooking tips and ingredients that can be used for this recipe and others. As far as the hands on cooking went that was pretty much up to the user, you could do as much or little as you wanted.
If you already cook a lot, some of the things in the class can be pretty basic but you still should be able to pick up a few new things. I see it more as I night out to try something different and maybe pick up a few tips then a full on cooking class.
There's not much to say other than what's already been said already - Emily's class kicks @$$!
I like to cook a lot, but I'm lazy. I like cooking with/for others and so when it was announced our department outing for work was to be held here, I was excited.
Her classes are fun but also very educational as well. She teach you certain techniques that can be used in all your cooking - why you cook certain ingredients first and others later, how to cut certain foods up, etc.
I highly recommend this class, especially if you're a guy and you can't cook anything that can't be cooked on a George Foreman Grill. I'll definitely be bringing dates to these classes in the future - after cooking for a female and then taking her out salsa dancing, how can she not be impressed?
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Cool (5)
A team of folks from my company attended a class together. We got to choose what - as a team - we wanted to cook. My team chose Pork as the main course. As a vegan, I'm used to having to fend for myself, and don't expect that everyone present to eat vegan too. So I came expecting to leave hungry.
However, Emily created a special dish just for me. Seared tofu and squash with a cranberry dressing. It was amazing. She taught me how to make it and sent me home with a copy of the recipe.
It was a thoughtful and an unexpected surprise.
Emily's classes are incredibly popular, so sign up early. If you do get in, bring a bottle of wine and get settled in for a fun night. Don't be afraid to get in there and fold some egg whites or cut an onion.....everyone helps to create an amazing meal.
I have been to quite a few classes with Emily herself and find them to be a downright damn good time. I admit a few have had cocktails which may have left me tipsy, talkative and giddy. Never fear, regardless of how little I may remember about specific ingredients and processes, the recipes whipped together by Emily are DELICIOUS and easy to repeat at home. Throw in the fact that she must have some of the best knowledge of where to buy the best food at the most affordable prices in the Bay area and we have a winner.
I would say the only small downfall is the fact that this experience is so popular, it is a race to get into a class the second she releases her schedule.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (3)
Hmmm it was okay. I had a nice time with my friends and the food was okay. If it were cheaper I 'd give 4 stars.
I first heard about First Class Cooking when searching for classes for a friend. Based on all of the Yelp reviews, I was really excited about First Class Cooking. I bought a gift certificate but found it impossible to get a reservation for the class of his choice.
Emily only takes reservations for classes for the current month. At the end of the month, she sends out an email with the calendar for the next month. Unfortunately, I simply couldn't check my email enough to get in the class, so after 6 months, Emily was kind enough to refund my money.
I was pretty sad about the whole thing, especially since the class sounded amazing. I lucked out, however, when another friend mentioned she wanted to have a private cooking class for a group of 10 with Emily. Reserving the class for 10 was MUCH MUCH easier than getting a slot in an open class, and it was a great experience.
The food was good and Emily is a great teacher. Her timing was impeccable, and everyone in the class (even the foodies among us) learned something new. It's a great thing to do for a party, and I'm so glad we got a chance to experience it. Thanks Emily!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I just celebrated my friend's birthday with First Class Cooking. There is absolutely nothing better than a one and a half block walk to an evening's festivities. Makes it all the easier to stumble home afterwards. Party commute aside a festive time was had by all.
We prepared three simple Brazilian dishes and a moderately difficult chocolate souffle for dessert. I've taken a number of hardcore cooking classes before and our hostess Emily set a nice tone of cooking facts, techniques, keeping everyone busy and just letting us do our thang.
The event (not so much a class) takes place in Emily's exquisite mansion which is worth the $55 per person admission alone. Emily was extremely accommodating, handled 15 moderately inebriated people well and helped us create a delicious meal. The evening was enjoyable and memorable. It's too bad we didn't have enough seats at the table to include Emily because she seems like a really interesting character.
My only suggestion would be to make sure to bring enough alcohol as it is not provided. Also some appetizers such as bread and cheese would help the triathlons of the crowd make it to dinner. Granted, to remedy the appetizer crisis I went on a mini-field trip to Whole Foods around the corner with three gorgeous women. We bought bread, cheese and six bottles of wine 'n bubbly. So lacking hors d'oeuvres is not always a bad thing. ;)
(3.75 * stars)
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (4)
Cool (4)
I took Emily's class last night, and just like everyone's else's review it was a great. We did the tropical tastes class, and had a very yummy menu. We started off with Passion Fruit Mojoitos, then Shrimp Skewers, Butternut Squash in coconut sauce, a Ahi Tuna Poke, and Dolce De Leche Crepes. All of it was delicious and fun to make.
The class was very casual, and you can just jump right in. The recipes are easy to follow, and I can't wait to cook it myself.
And like how some people already wrote, the house is beautiful, with a great kitchen. I definitely recommed this class!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
So, the barometer for ANY good cooking class is: would you go back again? Now, I realize that's covering a lot of ground, from:
- did you (and your friends, if applicable) have a good time?
- did you learn something?
- was the instructor instructive?
- how was the general setting?
In my case, it was more like "did my wife like it?", to which I can definitely say, yes. Hence the 5 stars. Emily D. is totally professional, has a perfectly laid-out kitchen, really caters to all skill levels, and knows exactly what she's doing.
What I really liked about Emily was that she walked me (over the phone) through all the courses for that month and helped me pick the perfect one for my wife's birthday. And it was such a success that she's since gone back for two other classes.
Make it a party, make your own dahl, but mostly, just make it there. Reasonably priced and great Pac Heights setting.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
I took Emily's class last night with my roommates and had an awesome time. Her laid back approach definitely put me at ease as I am not the most comfortable person in the kitchen. I noticed that even those students in the class who seemed to know what they were doing were very receptive to Emily's tips, opinions, etc.
I was most impressed by the fact the Emily creates her own recipes by trial and error. Very impressive! Her love of cooking definitely shines through...hope to take her class again soon!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I'm all over this shit like white on rice.
Emily was incredibly helpful, intuitive, and not to mention...AWESOME! Like an epicurean rock star, this one lights up and takes center stage. She makes you not afraid to make a pie crust or tart for the first time. Granted, I really like cooking...and learning things like: how to mince garlic and have it actually stay in one spot in order to do so...i mean really.
anyway, y'all should check it out. I would love for you not to, so that I can have her all to myself; however, in the spirit of san francisco, i'll spread the Emily Dellas love.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I went to my first class at Emily's on Saturday and after hearing about it from friends was not disappointed!
The class was a brunch class so we (of course) brought our own champagne and OJ for some drink-while-you-cook mimosas.
The other people there were a mix of all ages and everyone was having a great time - what a fun crowd! Emily was very knowleagble and added some interesting facts to each course.
And of course...the food was delicious! smoked salmon and endive, dilled chicken salad, mushroom asparagus strata, and strawberry peach tarts. I've already made the dilled chicken salad!
Only issues is the classes fill up so fast - so make sure to book the day you get the schedule!
Can't wait to sign up for another...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I really hate it when businesses I adore get discovered by Daily Candy... because obviously while it's great for the business, the secret is out and I can no longer feel smug. Alas, Emily was written up in yesterday's DC, and I suspect she will be unbookable in very short order.
Emily helped me arrange a private cooking class for 12 women. She was super flexible about the menu and food requests from people who don't eat this or that. When we actually did the class, it was SO much fun. Emily has a very warm personality that brings even the shyest people out and chopping, or stirring, or beating things. The food is delicious, and the price is EXTREMELY reasonable. Plus, you can bring wine to enjoy during the class and for dinner afterward. I'm coming back for more classes -- I'd love to try the Southeast Asian and Indian ones -- as long as I can get in, of course!
P.S. even if you think you're doomed in the kitchen, you should go anyway -- if for nothing else than to see the house (AMAZING) and the dog. :)
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (2)
I think the other reviewers have accurately described this class, but I want to throw my five stars out there for Emily because she's so great. Just note that the "class" is more like an event in that the instruction is very casual. Emily has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of cooking and kitchen science, so if you're in the mood to learn something you definitely will. However, if you're in the mood to drink wine and meet new people and laugh and prepare a nice meal in a beautiful kitchen and eat it, then this class is ALSO for you!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
An old dog can learn new tricks. I cook. I do not bake. But, I walked away from a class armed with a wonderful strawberry rhubarb tart that could practically be made with eyes closed.
Emily is well learned, but conveys the information in a way that is completely accessible, non-intimidating, and fun!
Not only did I learn some great cooking tips (salting garlic while chopping it), also came away with the virtues of Silpat mats, Phillip's crabmeat, cleavers, concentrated chicken broth, and silicon bake ware.
Totally annoyed because just wrote a review and Yelp lost it. Here we go again...
Went to a class last night with my friend and had a good time.
Here's the class we took:
South American Splendor $65
- Pisco Sours
- Avocado Lime Soup w. Crab
- Black Bean Feijoada
- Peruvian Aji Chile Chicken
- Dulce de Leche filled Crepes
The food was great and I definitely feel capable of making it now. And, it's stuff I would likely not have tried to make otherwise. Am really excited about the crepes!
As others said, you don't have individual cooking stations, so you don't get to personally make everything. You can get as hands on as you'd like though. For people not wanting to commit to a class experience this could be a good thing - but for those that really need a lot of training, this format may not work for you. Great idea for work outings, or going with a group of friends. Definitely bring wine - makes it more fun! :-)
I enjoyed an afternoon of cooking and baking at Emily's Holiday cooking class. It was informative and fun! Emily's bubbly personality and passion for cooking is contagious. I walked away with the skills to make 4 new recipes and some tasty treats like peppermint bark and fig jam. The kitchen is well stocked and gorgeous-a very inspiring place to learn how to cook! I plan to go back with friends to take more classes.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I've taken at least three classes from First Class Cooking, and found that they made me feel like cooking more later. Emily was very good at answering all questions, gave great tips on cooking equipment along with particular information about the kinds of foods we were cooking. Her energy and ability to involve everyone added to the overall experience. I'd suggest choosing a menu from the schedule that looks particularly appetizing, but with which you don't have much experience and giving it a go!
I attended the mediterranean class and it was fun and informational! The great thing about the way Emily teaches the class is that it doesn't matter if you are an experienced cook or never even cracked an egg... you will learn how to do all the dishes from scratch and enjoy a fantastic meal at the end.
I attended Emily's "American Classics" cooking class last night, and had a great time. It felt less like a cooking class, and more like a group effort to make a nice dinner, with some gentle instruction. Don't get me wrong, you can definitely learn some fantastic tips, but it felt less structured than other cooking classes that I've been to, which was nice. It was also a class of mostly beginners, so I knew essentially all of the tricks and tips she was giving.
We made Sweet Potato Biscuits, Stuffed Zucchini, Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry/Balsamic Sauce, and Pumpkin Ice Cream. At the end of the meal, everyone gets to sit down and enjoy what we've prepared. Added bonus that you can drink wine throughout the whole thing...and her home is BEAUTIFUL! Pricing is very reasonable too.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I stumbled onto Emily's class online when I was searching for a cooking class on pure impulse. I've taken a few at CCSF Continuing Education program and found it to be too crowded and impersonal although I liked some of the instructors. I was crammed into a home ec class room at Marina Middle school with over 20 other people - not my idea of fun.
Emily holds her classes in her kitchen, a beautiful Victorian house on Pac Heights where she grew up, and 10 people maximum per session. It's more like learning how to cook from a friend as she goes over the menu and chats away about where to shop and how to be efficient in prep time.
Although I'm an experienced cook, I enjoyed her class just as much as other self-proclaimed novices because you could always gather good info on recipes and cooking methods. We chop, mince, peel and stir together as the class moves from one item to another.
Once everything is cooked and ready, everyone sits around the dining table and enjoys the fruition of hard labor. It's a pleasant surprise to see how strangers could become so comfortable with each other in 2 1/2 hours of being in the kitchen together. Most people bring their own wine and sip as they listen and watch.
Emily is a wonderful instructor with real passion for what she does, and I highly recommend it both for the experience and a good meal. One tip: Be aware of one big fluffy dog named Buffy greeting you at the door. She's got lungs!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
WOW!
Okay, so I have to first preface this review with a little context... about 2 months ago, I reaggravated an old high school sports injury I had surgery on back THEN, and had to have emergency surgery. So, I've been kinda out of commission for a while, to say the least and am just getting "back into the swing of things". Not to mention that on top of my surgery recovery, I came down with the worst cold/flu KNOWN... TO... MAN over the last week and a half or so.
Yet, these obstacles were nothing in the way of this cooking class. Of course, like many, I'd read about it in Daily Candy after the first of the year and being someone who loves to cook and loves to learn, I thought there would be literally no better way to (1) relax by cooking, (2) learn something and (3) make everyone around me love me more (because I'd be cooking even tastier food for them all the time, of course!) then by taking Emily's cooking class.
A few tips for the newbies:
- First - sign up for the mailing list. She emails out the monthly schedule once a month and her classes fill up SUPER fast. I tried signing up mid-month once... ehhh, didn't work. So, the day that her schedule came out, I checked it out, cross-ref'ed with my BlackBerry AND my LV planner and emailed her right away to reserve. She holds the spots for you, so no sweat... once you're in, you're in. But some months she has lots of private events or classes, which is why it is important to book early.
- One great thing is that she sends a confirmation email on the morning of the day you have your class. That's always nice, even if you are uber-organized (like myself), just because you know that everything is set and ready to go.
- Emily provides EVERYTHING - the tools, the ingredients - so it's really great to be able to sit back and learn and enjoy.
- The wine pairing classes (premium classes) sign up pretty fast.
- Afterwards, you all sit down together and enjoy the meal that you've cooked! Everyone gets a chance to contribute in some way.
So, I attended a premium class for $75, which was a Spanish four-course with wine pairing. The sommelier was super nice, super engaging and very knowledgeable and also focused on quality wines that were not too expensive - all of the wines he had (3) were within the $20 price-point and many were able to be purchased at Safeway. Score! He even included a little map in the packet showing which regions of Spain each wine was from. I feel so cultured.
When you walk in, you get a pre-assembled packet of each of the recipes to be cooked, their ingredients and instructions. That makes it super-convenient to hit up the Trader Joe's or Safeway on the way home, in the event that you're thinking of cooking this gourmet meal in the very near future.
Anyway, I had to leave the class a little early because I got totally nauseous and felt weak (like I said, I'm really sick), but I still totally give it 5 stars. It was great. I learned some new tricks and I've been hanging around my family (with some really awesome cooks) for a long time, so it's nice to learn new things from the moment you cook with somebody else. I was amazed at the new onion dicing technique that I learned - and it helped to cut down on tears!
We made a Spanish tasting menu... Spanish garlic soup, a pepper salad with vinaigrette, chicken with almonds and crema catalana which is like a Spanish version of creme brulee. The ingredients were super fresh, everything was very organized and, best of all, everyone had an opportunity to try out the new cooking tips.
Oh yeah - did I mention how BEAUTIFUL the house is?!?! The classes are out of a gorgeous house in Pac Heights, which has a spacious kitchen and dining room... and is just breathtakingly beautiful. And Emily's dog is super cute, too.
I am totally going back next month! I am probably the next Giada deLaurentiis, so don't be surprised if I have my own show on the Food Network sometime soon.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (3)
Cool (4)
Emily Della's First Class Cooking is one of the most amazing experiences I've had in the Bay Area! I went to my second class last night and invited my parents as well. I, like the other reviewers, cannot do Emily's class justice. Her home is gorgeous; she is incredibly inviting and warm; the menus are elaborate, yet not intimidating. AND the food is delicious. Oh and did I mention that the price is more than reasonable? She is a gem in the city of SF and I would go to her every month, but she's become so darn popular that it's hard to find an open spot at times. I won't even knock her down for that, though because she really does try to offer as many classes as humanly possible. Since going last October, I've done nothing but rave about how much fun I had and how tasty the food was -- and after last night, I will continue to rave about her and the food. We've even made the first menu at home one time thanks to the helpful recipes she provides.
In case you were wondering, the first time we had: Cranberry Quinoa Salad, Peruvian Chili Chicken, Butternut Squash in Coconut Lime, Passionfruit mousse, and Pisco Sours.
Last night we had: Red Pepper Walnut Dip, Quinoa Tabouli, Chicken Tagine, and Honey Biscuits with Fig.
I'm already looking forward to the next class!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
Top 5 Reasons First-Class Cooking gets 5 stars (it would get 6 if that were possible):
5. The venue--there's nothing like stepping into a beautiful home and walking into an even more breathtaking kitchen. I knew this was going to be a great experience.
4. The teamwork--I attended as part of an off-site from work, and the recipes and work areas were set up to be participative and interactive. It was a great way to work together and really show what we can accomplish when we do!
3. Simple, delicious recipes--OK, I really like to cook. But, I like to roadbike too, and I'm not so great at attacking hills. So, just cause I like to cook doesn't mean my risotto attempts turn out (let it go, Jacquie). But, these recipes were simple with an elegant twist that gave me absolute confidence that I can do them again. And I will.
2. Ingredients--Not only were the ingredients fresh, seasonal and delicious, but Emily gave us tips on some of her favorite places to get fresh fish (Sunset Super), tips for finding the right knives for you (make sure the handle fits your hand---yeah, it's a 'duh', but so many knives are made for men...it's important to try them out---you can do that at SurLaTable)...which brings us to the number one reason
1. Emily--our host and the cooking instructor. She was warm, engaging, knowledgeable and shared information in a way that made it fun to learn. Sneaky, Emily, very sneaky.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I was looking for an affordable cooking class in San Francisco for my boyfriend's birthday present and I found First Class Cooking. What appealed to me was the wide variety of menus each month that people could choose from ranging from Indian, Italian, Vietnamese, to French. Try to reserve classes early in the month because classes fill up quickly.
Our menu consisted of:
Roasted Corn Soup
Old Bay Seasoned Oven Fries
Crab Cakes
Strawberry Shortcakes
The soup was our favorite and we've made it numerous times since the cooking class. I liked Emily's teaching style. She made cooking seem simple and straightforward and gave us helpful food prep and cooking tips. Ask lots of questions because Emily has a lot of great suggestions. She buys a lot of her produce and fruit across the bay at Berkeley Bowl. Most of the students in our class were young women in their 20s and 30s but everyone was really friendly.
i took a class w/ emily yesterday, and i LOVED it!! first of all, the class takes place in her family's home in pac heights, which is AMAZING. the classes get filled quickly, so sign up right when her schedule comes out, as they are ltd to 10 ppl. emily is great, b/c she's bubbly and nice and shows you some kitchen basics w/o being a nazi about technique.
i took the vietnamese class last night, and we made spring rolls, caramelized catfish (YUM!!), lemongrass beef skewers, and mango w/ sticky rice. everything was delicious and pretty easy to prepare. emily makes cooking accessible to the non-chef. she has many gadgets at home that you see at sur la table and always wondered what they were.
after cooking, the entire class sits at her dining room table and eats together. this class was a lot more intimate than other cooking classes i have taken in the past, and it's a great opportunity to meet new ppl!!
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I am a little hesitant to rate this because I